or ideally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "or ideally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a preferred or optimal situation in contrast to a less desirable one. Example: "We should aim to complete the project by Friday, or ideally, by Thursday to allow for any last-minute adjustments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So we have to choose: change the procedures or add more staff (or, ideally, do both).

The New Yorker

As soon as you start your tenure-track job (or, ideally, before), become familiar with everything it says.

Science Magazine

Even more so than mobile apps, VR apps need to be rendered at 60 frames per second (or, ideally, even faster).

TechCrunch

Who doesn't wish they were best friends with Jennifer Lawrence or Emma Stone (or, ideally, both)?

Huffington Post

Properly ground yourself while performing this procedure, (or, ideally, any kind of electronic work).

WikiHow

Or, ideally, two medals.

Independent

Or ideally, both.

The New York Times

Train harder, or ideally smarter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sex, food, TV, or ideally a combination of all three.

The Guardian

But unless you're a billionaire, or ideally a multibillionaire, your power is limited.

The Guardian

You need considerable stamina or, ideally, the ability to be in several spaces at once.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "or ideally" to suggest a preferred alternative, especially when the first option is less desirable but still acceptable. It adds a nuance of aspiration.

Common error

Avoid using "or ideally" excessively in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound less professional. Consider stronger, more direct alternatives like "preferably" or restructuring the sentence for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "or ideally" functions as an adverbial connector, linking two alternatives, where the second is presented as the more desirable option. This is supported by Ludwig, indicating that it's a grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "or ideally" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that serves to introduce a preferred or optimal alternative. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears most commonly in News & Media and Science contexts, reflecting its utility in suggesting better options or outcomes. While versatile, be mindful of register; more formal alternatives may be preferable in professional or academic settings. Remember that "or ideally" clearly presents a preferred alternative, adding a layer of aspiration to the initial option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ideally speaking

Emphasizes that the statement reflects an ideal situation, often detached from reality.

preferably

Focuses solely on preference, omitting the conditional aspect of the original phrase.

optimally

Stresses the best possible outcome without implying a secondary option.

in a perfect world

Highlights the unrealistic or hypothetical nature of the ideal situation.

at best

Suggests the most favorable scenario that could realistically occur.

under the best circumstances

Highlights the dependence of the ideal situation on external factors.

if possible

Highlights possibility over preference.

more suitably

Focuses on suitability or appropriateness, not necessarily the best outcome.

if feasible

Concentrates on practicality rather than desirability.

all things being equal

Introduces a condition of fairness that impacts the ideal scenario.

FAQs

How to use "or ideally" in a sentence?

Use "or ideally" to introduce a preferred alternative to a previously mentioned option. For example, "We should finish the report by Friday, or ideally, by Thursday if possible."

What can I say instead of "or ideally"?

You can use alternatives like "preferably", "ideally speaking", or "optimally" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "or ideally" or "and ideally"?

"Or ideally" is the correct construction to present a preferred alternative. "And ideally" is less common and may not clearly convey the intended meaning of presenting a better option.

What's the difference between "or ideally" and "or preferably"?

"Or ideally" suggests a situation that is perfect or the best possible outcome, while "or preferably" simply indicates a favored option. The former implies a higher standard than the latter.