or failing that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "or failing that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that if Plan A is not successful, then the speaker suggests trying Plan B as an alternative. For example: "Let's try to get the report done by 4 o'clock, or failing that, we can work an extra hour tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or failing that, ask Rihanna instead.

The Guardian

Or failing that, where are the historical examples?

The New York Times

Or failing that, I'd at least have expanded my reading.

The Guardian - Books

Or failing that, he wanted a trade, and never mind those proclamations of undying love for Chicago.

The New York Times

So here, I present: How To Write A Column: - Do your research or, failing that, don't, and wing it.

Independent

Or, failing that, why not a free Blu-Ray disc of the buyer's choice?

TechCrunch

Or, failing that, how to get really, really high.

Vice

Or, failing that, explode.

The Guardian - Opinion

or failing that, clarityn...".

The Guardian - Sport

Or failing that, bourbons.

The Guardian

Or failing that, 2C.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "or failing that" to clearly present an alternative when the first option might not be feasible. This helps to provide a contingency plan and maintain clarity in your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "or failing that" when the suggested alternative is illogical or completely unrelated to the initial proposal. Ensure the second option is a reasonable and practical substitute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "or failing that" functions as a conjunctive adverbial to introduce an alternative course of action or option when the initial one is not possible or successful. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from offering alternative solutions to suggesting different approaches.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "or failing that" is a versatile conjunctive phrase used to introduce an alternative when the first option is not feasible. It maintains a neutral tone suitable for various contexts, predominantly appearing in news and media, but also in scientific and formal business environments. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and practical use in written English. When writing, remember that it's crucial to ensure the alternative solution is a logical and viable substitute. While "otherwise" or "alternatively" can be used as substitutes, "or failing that" explicitly implies the potential failure of the initial option, adding a layer of contingency to your statement. Finally, avoid using "or failing that" when the alternative is completely unrelated to the first proposal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

or alternatively

Focuses on presenting a different option without necessarily implying failure of the first.

as a second option

Directly states that the suggestion is a secondary choice.

or if that doesn't work

More explicit about the potential failure of the initial option.

if that's not possible

Highlights the possibility of the first option being unachievable.

otherwise

A general term indicating a different course of action if the preceding condition is not met.

as a fallback

Emphasizes that the second option is a backup plan.

if the former fails

Explicitly refers to the failure of the first option.

in the alternative

A more formal way of presenting an alternative, often used in legal contexts.

should that not succeed

More formal and emphasizes the potential lack of success of the initial action.

or as a last resort

Indicates that the alternative should only be considered after all other options have been exhausted.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "or failing that" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "or alternatively", "if that doesn't work", or "otherwise" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the context.

Is "or failing that" formal or informal?

The phrase "or failing that" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives such as "in the alternative" may be preferred in highly formal settings.

When is it appropriate to use "or failing that"?

Use "or failing that" when you want to present a secondary option if the first one is unlikely to succeed or is not possible. It's suitable for providing a clear contingency plan.

What's the difference between "or failing that" and "otherwise"?

"Or failing that" specifically implies that the first option has a risk of not succeeding, whereas "otherwise" simply introduces an alternative action if the initial condition is not met, without necessarily implying failure.