if not well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if not well" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a condition where something may not be satisfactory or acceptable. Example: "The project may be completed on time, if not well, we will need to make adjustments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"If not, well, maybe another day".

The New York Times - Sports

If not, well, they are YouTube classics.

The New York Times - Food

And if not, well, build it anyway.

The New York Times

If not, well, not so much.

The New York Times

If not, well, forget it.

The New York Times - Magazine

If not, well, sorry, Paul.

The New York Times

If not well, what not well?

The New York Times

If not, well, there is always dessert.

The New York Times

If not, well, don't even ask.

The Guardian - Opinion

If not, well, they could just go home.

The New York Times

AMERICAN history is in vogue, if not well understood.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if not well", ensure the context clearly indicates what constitutes "well". For example, "The data analysis, if not well-documented, will be difficult to reproduce."

Common error

Avoid using "if not well" without specifying the criteria for 'well'. Instead of "The system, if not well, will need maintenance", specify what "well" means: "The system, if not well-maintained, will need maintenance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if not well" functions as a conditional conjunction, setting up a situation where the primary condition is not met, leading to an alternative outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and can be used to express that something is less than satisfactory.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if not well" serves as a conditional conjunction to introduce alternative outcomes when the primary condition isn't met. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. Although grammatically sound, clarity is crucial; specify what 'well' refers to for better understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's versatile across news, science, and general contexts, but direct alternatives like "if not satisfactory" or "if not properly" might offer greater precision in some scenarios. The usage frequency is uncommon; however, in writing, always contextualize it, making it more expressive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if not satisfactory

Replaces "well" with a more explicit term for meeting requirements.

if not properly

Focuses on the correctness of the action rather than overall well-being.

if not adequately

Highlights whether something meets a certain standard or level.

if not effectively

Emphasizes the efficiency or success in achieving a desired outcome.

if not functioning correctly

Indicates an issue with the operational status of something.

if not up to par

Emphasizes a failure to meet a required standard or expectation.

if not in good condition

Specifies the physical state or shape of something as the condition.

unless it thrives

Implies a lack of flourishing or success.

if it doesn't go smoothly

Suggests a potential issue with the execution or process.

failing optimal performance

Highlights a situation where the best possible outcome is not achieved.

FAQs

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

Use "if not well" to express a condition where something might not be satisfactory or acceptable. For example, "The project may be completed on time, "if not well", we will need to make adjustments."

What are some alternatives to "if not well"?

Consider using alternatives such as "if not satisfactory", "if not properly", or "if not adequately" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "if not well"?

It's appropriate when you want to set a condition based on a certain standard or state being less than ideal. Ensure the context makes clear what "well" refers to, whether it's maintenance, documentation, or another specific aspect.

Is there a difference between using "if not well" and "if not good"?

While similar, "if not well" often implies a specific aspect of performance or condition, while "if not good" is more general. For instance, "If not well managed" specifies the management aspect, whereas "if not good" could refer to overall quality.