if that doesn't work

USAGE SUMMARY

'if that doesn't work' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement that should be done if the previous thing did not work. Example: "Try tightening the nut with a wrench, if that doesn't work you should try using a pair of pliers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And what if that doesn't work either?

The Guardian

… But what if that doesn't work?

The Guardian

And, if that doesn't work, there is always peer pressure.

The Economist

"What if that doesn't work out?" Zeller asked.

The New Yorker

Even if that doesn't work, reinstall Windows.

WikiHow

Alternatively, if that doesn't work, ad lib your own episode!

WikiHow

If that doesn't work, move.

The New York Times - Tech

And if that doesn't work?

The Economist

If that doesn't work, press the buzzer.

The New York Times

If that doesn't work, we'll parachute in.

The New York Times

If that doesn't work, try the Ninth".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if that doesn't work" to introduce a simpler solution after a more complex one has been tried.

Common error

Don't leave "if that doesn't work" hanging without a subsequent action or suggestion. Always provide a clear alternative to maintain the flow of information and guide the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if that doesn't work" functions as a conditional conjunction, introducing a clause that presents an alternative action or solution. It signals a contingency based on the failure of a preceding action or suggestion. Ludwig examples show how this phrase is typically used to provide backup options or troubleshooting steps.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

35%

News & Media

35%

Reference

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if that doesn't work" serves as a versatile conditional conjunction that introduces an alternative course of action when an initial attempt fails. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in instructional and advisory content. Usage patterns indicate its prevalence in Wiki and News & Media sources, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both informal and semi-formal communication. When using this phrase, ensure a clear alternative is provided to guide the reader effectively. Ludwig's examples demonstrate the phrase's utility in practical guidance, troubleshooting, and sequential instructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if that's not effective

Replaces "doesn't work" with "not effective", maintaining a similar level of informality.

if that is ineffective

Replaces "doesn't work" with "is ineffective", focusing on the lack of desired outcome.

failing that

A concise and somewhat formal substitute for "if that doesn't work".

if that option is not viable

Focuses on the viability of the option rather than its general effectiveness.

if that proves unsuccessful

Substitutes "doesn't work" with "proves unsuccessful", adding a more formal tone.

if the previous method fails

Specifies that the prior method is what is failing, rather than 'that'.

should that fail

Uses a more concise and slightly formal structure to indicate failure.

in the event that doesn't succeed

Expresses the condition in a slightly more elaborate manner, highlighting the lack of success.

as a backup plan

Frames the next action as a contingency, explicitly acknowledging a prior attempt may fail.

alternatively

Offers a very brief and general alternative, implying a different course of action is needed.

FAQs

How to use "if that doesn't work" in a sentence?

Use "if that doesn't work" to introduce an alternative action or solution when the initial attempt is unsuccessful. For example, "Try restarting your computer; "if that doesn't work", contact technical support."

What can I say instead of "if that doesn't work"?

You can use alternatives like "alternatively", "failing that", or "if that fails" to express a similar contingency.

Is it grammatically correct to say "if that doesn't work"?

Yes, "if that doesn't work" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English to introduce a secondary plan or action.

What's the difference between "if that doesn't work" and "if that didn't work"?

"If that doesn't work" refers to a present or future situation, suggesting a current attempt might fail. "If that didn't work" refers to a past situation, indicating that a previous attempt was unsuccessful.