otherwise then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "otherwise then" is not correct in standard written English.
It is often confused with "otherwise" or "other than," but it does not have a clear, acceptable usage. Example: "You should follow the guidelines; otherwise then you may face consequences."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If Philby said otherwise, then he must be lying".

The New Yorker

If he passes it then he'll be with us, otherwise then he'll be staying with Liverpool".

Independent

If a creative writing course produces one writer who wouldn't have been a writer otherwise then it's worthwhile.

The Guardian - Books

"If this coating could give it a sheen that you can't get otherwise, then that clearly would have some value," Mr. Baron said.

The New York Times

On the other hand, if ministers decide that the two sectors are rivals, friendly or otherwise, then they should concentrate on competing through performance, rather than by diktat.

The Economist

If it were otherwise, then a police officer's recognizing me while walking down the street would, all by itself, infringe my Fourth Amendment rights.

The New York Times

I'm an author who likes assignments, who needs suggestions, ideas I would never have thought of otherwise – then something happens inside my alien head.

The Guardian - Books

"If public officials are taking positions they would not take otherwise, then that is a matter of public interest," he said.

The New York Times

If I want people looking at columns or windows they'd perhaps never notice otherwise, then those columns and windows need a role in the game.

The Guardian - Tech

If Rigby's report is correct, and I have no reason to think otherwise, then the truth has come home to roost.

The Guardian

If we think otherwise, then we are doing what the organisation has been repeatedly accused of – burying its head in the sand.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When intending to express an alternative or consequence, use "otherwise" alone. The addition of "then" is grammatically redundant and should be avoided for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "otherwise then" as "then" is unnecessary and weakens the sentence. Stick to "otherwise" to clearly indicate an alternative or a consequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "otherwise then" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, attempting to introduce an alternative or consequence. However, it's considered grammatically incorrect. Although it appears frequently, as Ludwig shows, its usage is questionable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "otherwise then" is commonly found, but considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms this, suggesting that the "then" is redundant and unnecessary. While it appears in various sources, including news and scientific articles, it's best to stick to simply using "otherwise" to maintain clarity and grammatical accuracy in your writing. Choose alternative phrases like "if not" or "alternatively" for a more polished and correct expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

otherwise

Removes the "then", resulting in a grammatically correct alternative conveying the same meaning of contrast or consequence.

if not

Replaces the entire phrase with a conditional expression. It directly presents an alternative outcome.

alternatively

Offers a direct substitute to indicate another possibility or option.

in other circumstances

Presents a more formal way of indicating a different condition leading to a different result.

or else

A more forceful way of indicating a negative consequence if a condition isn't met.

failing that

Indicates a subsequent action if the first one is unsuccessful.

in that case

Highlights the alternative action if an initial condition does not apply.

if that is not the case

A more verbose substitute to explicitly state a condition under which an alternative applies.

should that not occur

Offers a formal alternative to indicate a condition that would prevent the primary action.

on the other hand

Introduces a contrasting possibility or perspective.

FAQs

How to use "otherwise" correctly in a sentence?

Use "otherwise" to introduce an alternative or state what will happen if something is not done or does not happen. For example, "You must follow the rules; "otherwise", you will be penalized."

What phrases can replace "otherwise" to express a similar meaning?

You can use phrases like "if not", "alternatively", or "or else" to convey similar meanings of contrast or consequence.

Is "otherwise then" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "otherwise then" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. It is better to use "otherwise" alone.

What's the difference between "otherwise" and "otherwise then"?

"Otherwise" is a correct and concise way to express an alternative or consequence. "Otherwise then" is redundant; the "then" adds no value and is grammatically unnecessary. Use "otherwise".