otherwise if

USAGE SUMMARY

"otherwise if" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a condition or alternative to an earlier statement. Example sentence: "We will go for a picnic if the weather is nice, otherwise if it's raining we can watch a movie at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Otherwise, if it shows weakness, we will suffer more.

The New York Times

Otherwise, if I miss a class, I don't get paid".

The New York Times

"Otherwise, if someone asks, Bud is just fine".

The New York Times

"Otherwise, if everyone works only for themselves, there's no future.

The Guardian

Otherwise, if they push this bill, we will stop it.

The New York Times

Otherwise, if it's just a craft, go be a plumber.

The Guardian

Otherwise if it has a message, the hell with it".

The Guardian

Otherwise, if you expect a drawing show to celebrate draftsmanship, be disabused.

The New Yorker

Otherwise, if they visit Korea, they may find themselves inducted into military service.

The New York Times

Otherwise, if they just held the money, it would be worth 3 percent less each year.

The New York Times

Otherwise, if you try to get it by its tail, the tail will break off".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "otherwise if" to clearly present an alternative condition or outcome when the initial condition is not met. This helps to ensure clarity and logical flow in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "otherwise if" repeatedly in close succession. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "alternatively", "instead", or restructuring the sentence to avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "otherwise if" functions as a conditional connector, linking two alternative possibilities. It introduces a scenario that will occur if the initial condition is not met. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "otherwise if" functions as a conditional connector, used to present an alternative when an initial condition isn't met. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various sources, including News & Media, Science and Wiki articles, while maintaining a neutral tone. Though very common, remember to not overuse it in close succession in order to not sound repetitive. Alternatives include phrases such as "however if" or "instead if".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however if

Replaces "otherwise" with "however", focusing on contrasting the conditions.

instead if

Highlights the substitution of one condition for another.

alternatively if

Emphasizes that the second condition is another option.

in that case if

Specifically addresses a scenario where the initial condition isn't met.

on the other hand if

Draws a direct contrast between two possibilities.

conversely if

Mirrors "otherwise" to emphasize the opposite outcome.

failing that if

Implies a sequence where the first option has failed.

as an alternative if

Directly states that the 'if' clause is a different option

if not if

Offers a direct negation of the first condition before introducing the second

on the flip side if

Presents the second condition as the opposite side of the first condition.

FAQs

How can I use "otherwise if" in a sentence?

Use "otherwise if" to introduce a contrasting condition to a previous statement. For example, "We can go to the park if it's sunny, "otherwise if" it rains, we'll stay inside."

What phrases are similar to "otherwise if"?

Similar phrases include "however if", "alternatively if", or "instead if". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a more formal way to say "otherwise if"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "in the event that...otherwise" or "should this not be the case, then". These options provide a more sophisticated tone.

When is it best to avoid using "otherwise if"?

While grammatically correct, "otherwise if" can sometimes sound slightly redundant. If clarity isn't compromised, using just "otherwise" or restructuring the sentence might be more concise.