if not possible

USAGE SUMMARY

"if not possible" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
It implies the idea that something is not as likely to happen as the other possibilities, or that the other possibilities are more probable in the current scenario. For example, "If a different solution is not possible, then we will need to proceed with the original plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

About a third of that was provided by auto companies, which are now struggling with the economic downturn, if not possible bankruptcy.

The New York Times

If not possible, they advised formal open reduction and internal fixation.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

Subsequently closed or, if not possible, open reduction of the elbow is performed after closed mechanical distraction.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

If the product is not fit-for-purpose, further time and expense are incurred to effect remedy which, if not possible, decreases benefit.

Forest Ecosystems

If not possible to puncture the balloon ultrasound guided or fetoscopic guided, we can resort to tracheoscopic removal on placental circulation under loco-regional anesthesia.

Gynecological Surgery

When f i  < f a  < f r, the routes try to be vertex-disjoint, but if not possible, they become arc-disjoint.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

However, it is difficult, if not possible, to determine the chirality of the present Au roll due to imperfection of the individual layers.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Any mismatch between the clocks should be rectified immediately and, if not possible, prior to scanning patients, it should be documented and reported to the sponsor.

EJNMMI Physics

Sample trees were then selected based on the following three criteria: 1. all, or if not possible, the majority of DBH measurements for a given tree fell into the same DBH class;   2.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

all, or if not possible, the majority of DBH measurements for a given tree fell into the same DBH class; trees that had recorded stem malformation (i.e., been assigned a stem description code4) were avoided; and.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

As far as prosthetic design is concerned, it is mandatory to avoid or, if not possible, limit as much as possible distal cantilever: given the absence of the premaxilla, an anterior cantilever is already present.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering alternative solutions, clearly state the preferred option first, followed by "if not possible" and the secondary plan to maintain clarity.

Common error

While acceptable, avoid using "if not possible" excessively in formal documents. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "should that not be feasible" or "in the event that" to enhance the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if not possible" functions as an conditional phrase, introducing an alternative action or state when the initial condition cannot be met. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and implies a contingency plan.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

Wiki

25%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if not possible" serves as a versatile tool for indicating contingency and alternative actions. It's grammatically correct and commonly used, as Ludwig AI states, with a neutral to informal register. While extremely frequent in scientific and general contexts, writers should consider more formal alternatives for professional communications. When using "if not possible", be sure to clearly outline the preferred action before introducing the contingency for maximum clarity. Remember that this phrase indicates that other options are more probable in the current scenario, for instance when it's added right after the preferred option. All of this contributes to making your writing style more adaptable and comprehensive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if that's unachievable

Emphasizes the lack of attainability, suggesting a hurdle that can't be overcome.

if that's unattainable

Highlights the impossibility of reaching a certain outcome or objective.

if that's not viable

Focuses on the practicality and sustainability of an option.

if that fails

Directly addresses the potential for an action to be unsuccessful, requiring an alternative.

if that doesn't work

A more casual way to indicate that a different approach will be needed if the initial one isn't effective.

should that not be feasible

A more formal expression indicating a potential lack of practicality or convenience.

in the event that it's not doable

Highlights the lack of possibility of being done.

as a last resort

Implies that an action is only taken when all other options have been exhausted.

alternatively

A simple way of suggesting a different action or solution.

failing that

A concise way to express that if one course of action does not succeed, another should be taken.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "if not possible" to sound more formal?

Consider alternatives such as "should that not be feasible", "in the event that it is not achievable", or "if that proves unattainable" to elevate the tone of your writing.

What does "if not possible" mean?

The phrase "if not possible" indicates a secondary or alternative course of action to be taken when the primary option is unfeasible or cannot be accomplished.

When is it appropriate to use "if not possible" in writing?

Use "if not possible" when providing a backup plan or alternative solution, especially in situations where the primary option might not be feasible. It is appropriate for both informal and semi-formal contexts, but use with caution in more formal scenarios.

Are there synonyms for "if not possible" that maintain a similar level of informality?

Yes, phrases like "if that doesn't work", "if that fails", or "alternatively" offer similar meanings in more informal settings.