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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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if not prior

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if not prior" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something should happen or be considered unless it has already occurred or been addressed beforehand. Example: "The meeting will take place at 3 PM, if not prior to that time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That is, we must presuppose the existence, if not prior inculcation, of some values about which to be critical.

Science

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The role of the liaison is very important when assisting several organizations/areas, especially if intercity plan is not prior established.

Scott's playing time plunged last season, but with his $4.2 million salary having been guaranteed, he retained his starting spot if not his prior form.

The aim of our study was to determine if this negative pressure could result in medication administration errors if not released prior to connecting to the IV set.

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.

This part of your transition is one where you want to start early in identifying which college, which degree and getting started, if not finished prior to transition.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Exposure to ionising radiation, because it causes molecular damage to the genomic DNA and therefore genotype, which, if not repaired prior to cell division may compromise the genotype, thus places increased demands on the on going damage detection and repair processes in the cell, which are components of the home attractor.

Science

Plosone

It was intended that these items might then be subjected to qualitative review and potentially amended (if not discarded) prior to redeployment in subsequent administrations.

The Scale Finder assists the user in determining a rough scale estimate for the microscope setup, if not known prior to analysis.

Patients were required to have a baseline total cholesterol concentration of ≤240 mg/dL if not on prior therapy or ≤200 mg/dL if on lipid-lowering therapy at the time of the ACS.

Diagnosis of TB if not confirmed prior to ICU admission may be challenging but culture of mycobacterium TB should be attempted, with radiology, histology and possibly IGRAs contributing to the clinical picture.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if not prior" to clearly establish a condition that depends on whether something has already been done or considered. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in instructions or explanations.

Common error

Avoid using "if not prior" when a simpler term like "unless" or "beforehand" would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

81%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if not prior" functions as a conditional conjunction, introducing a situation that applies only if a preceding action hasn't occurred. Ludwig AI indicates its correct and usable grammar.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if not prior" serves as a conditional conjunction, typically employed to establish a contingency based on whether a specific action has already transpired. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's frequently found in scientific, news-related, and business contexts, indicating its versatility across different registers. While grammatically sound, it is crucial to prevent redundancy and over-formality, replacing it with simpler alternatives where suitable. Consider alternatives such as "unless previously", "if not beforehand", or "unless". Employ "if not prior" judiciously to ensure clarity and avoid unnecessary complexity in your writing.

FAQs

How can I use "if not prior" in a sentence?

Use "if not prior" to introduce a condition that depends on whether something has already occurred. For example, "The document must be signed by Friday, if not prior to that date."

What are some alternatives to "if not prior"?

Alternatives include "unless previously", "if not beforehand", or simply "unless". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. Also, please consider "unless earlier", "absent prior".

Is "if not prior" formal or informal?

The phrase "if not prior" leans towards formal usage. In casual contexts, simpler alternatives like "if not before" or "unless already" might be more appropriate. You can also consider alternatives such as "failing prior".

Which is correct, "if not prior" or "if not previously"?

Both "if not prior" and "if not previously" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different nuances. "If not prior" emphasizes the sequence of events, while "if not previously" emphasizes the state of something having been done before. You can also consider "in the absence of prior".

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Source & Trust

81%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: