it is otherwise

USAGE SUMMARY

'it is otherwise' is a correct phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to an alternate state of affairs; a situation different from what was previously stated or assumed. For example, "I thought the restaurant was closed on Sundays, but it is otherwise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is otherwise unremarkable and is clearly meant to be: its primary function is as a stage.

The New York Times - Food

It is otherwise unpublished.

The New York Times - Arts

Today, it is otherwise.

The New York Times

It is otherwise a place largely without serious crime.

The New York Times

As for the current generation, it is otherwise preoccupied.

The New York Times

But it is otherwise as serious an allegation as anyone could make against a professional sportsman".

Independent

The player has to be able to count up to 21 but it is otherwise undemanding.

The Economist

The sewage is being chlorinated, but it is otherwise raw and is bypassing a treatment plant.

The New York Times

It is otherwise a mishmash of free-market wizardry and global cop role-playing.

The Guardian - Opinion

While it is legal in special cases including pregnancies resulting from rape, it is otherwise restricted.

The New York Times

It is otherwise known as 'soft ball' stage in candy terms.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "it is otherwise" with a specific explanation of how the situation differs. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the intended contrast.

Common error

Avoid using "it is otherwise" in situations where there is no clear or logical contrast to a previous statement. This can confuse the reader and weaken the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is otherwise" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause to indicate a contrasting or alternative state. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to introduce a different condition than what has previously been stated, creating a clear distinction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is otherwise" is a frequently used adverbial phrase that serves to indicate a contrast or alternative to a previously stated condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It appears most commonly in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating its utility in both informative and technical writing. When using this phrase, ensure a clear contrast is evident to avoid confusion. Alternative phrases such as "it is different" or "conversely, it is" may be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is different

This alternative uses a simpler adjective to indicate a dissimilar state or condition.

it is different in that regard

This adds specificity, highlighting that the difference is isolated to a specific aspect.

the situation is different

This shifts the focus to the overall situation being altered.

the case is different

This phrase is best suited when referring to a legal or conditional circumstance.

conversely, it is

This alternative introduces a direct contrast or reversal of the previous statement.

on the other hand, it is

This phrase is used to present an opposing viewpoint or aspect of a situation.

it is not the same

This uses a negative construction to emphasize the dissimilarity.

by contrast, it is

This phrase emphasizes a noticeable difference between two things.

in other circumstances, it is

This specifies that the difference occurs only under particular conditions.

under different conditions, it is

Very similar to the previous one, this also focuses on conditional differences.

FAQs

How can I use "it is otherwise" in a sentence?

Use "it is otherwise" to indicate a difference from a previously mentioned condition. For example, "The restaurant is usually busy, but on Mondays, "it is otherwise"."

What's a formal alternative to "it is otherwise"?

In formal writing, consider using phrases like "conversely", "however", or "in contrast" to convey a similar meaning while maintaining a more sophisticated tone.

Is "it is otherwise" always interchangeable with "otherwise"?

No, while "otherwise" can sometimes replace "it is otherwise", the latter provides a more explicit connection to a prior statement, making the contrast clearer. For instance, "The fee is $20; otherwise, it's free" is similar, but less direct than "The fee is $20, but "it is otherwise" free".

Can "it is otherwise" be used at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically possible, starting a sentence with "it is otherwise" is less common. It typically follows a clause that establishes the initial condition or situation.