otherwise we can

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "otherwise we can" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest an alternative action or outcome if a certain condition is not met. Example: "We need to finalize the project by Friday; otherwise we can extend the deadline to next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Otherwise, we can swallow the deal May has negotiated and live unhappily ever after.

The Guardian - Opinion

Otherwise, we can go through the entire day taking the bait.

University of California, Berkeley

Otherwise, we can leave Iraq in the worst security situation, both internally and apropos its neighbors, especially Iran.

The New York Times

Otherwise, we can give an almost optimal uniformly convex renorming of X beyond the classical power type bound obtained by Pisier [21].

Journal of Functional Analysis

Otherwise, we can assume that rules have been contravened and that lapdancing clubs are just another route into the sex industry at large.

The Guardian - Opinion

We can sit here for the next hour and half and go through this or otherwise we can move to other questions.

The Guardian

"There's one 'no' friend I don't think I'll be talking to any more – a Marxist who was busy looking to his shares portfolio – but otherwise we can all still be friends".

The Guardian

"Okay, if you don't feel safe, get off the airplane, but otherwise we can go," the pilot said, still sounding cheerful in the video as the first of her passengers began to revolt.

The Washington Post

An artwork Biotricity makes visible and audible the invisible activity of nature which is happening at the bottom of a pond, and which otherwise we can neither see nor hear.

Stanford University

Sanctions become effective if we act imprudently, otherwise we can manage them," he adds.

BBC

Otherwise, we can expect more bubble economics for years to come.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context makes it clear what the 'otherwise' refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "otherwise we can" when the alternative isn't a direct consequence of the preceding statement. Make sure the relationship between the condition and alternative is logical and clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "otherwise we can" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing an alternative action or possibility. It provides a conditional statement, indicating what will happen if the preceding condition is not met. Ludwig AI identifies it as a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

36%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "otherwise we can" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for introducing alternative actions or possibilities when a prior condition isn't fulfilled. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's prevalent in various contexts, including news, science, and academia, maintaining a neutral register. To enhance writing clarity, ensure a clear relationship between the condition and the alternative being presented. Alternatives like ""alternatively we might"" and ""if not, there's the possibility to"" offer similar contingency suggestions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an alternative, we could

Directly presents an alternative with "as an alternative" and uses "could" for suggestion.

if not, there's the possibility to

Uses a simple "if not" and highlights "possibility" as the alternative.

if that doesn't work, we still can

Uses a simpler conditional and "still can" to emphasize resilience.

alternatively, we might

Replaces "otherwise" with "alternatively" and uses "might" for a more tentative tone.

on the other hand, we may

Introduces a contrasting option with "on the other hand" and uses "may" for possibility.

should that fail, we're able to

Uses "should that fail" for a more formal and concise conditional, and "we're able to" to show ability.

failing that, we have the option to

Introduces a more formal conditional phrase and uses "have the option to" to convey choice.

if that's not the case, we are able to

Expands the conditional clause and uses "are able to" for a more formal tone about ability.

in the absence of that, we're free to

Emphasizes the lack of the initial condition and uses "we're free to" to indicate liberty.

absent this, we're in a position to

Uses "absent this" for a more sophisticated conditional and "in a position to" to show readiness.

FAQs

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

Use "otherwise we can" to present an alternative action or outcome if a certain condition isn't met. For example, "We need to submit the report by Friday; otherwise we can request an extension."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "otherwise we can"?

Alternatives include "alternatively we might", "if not, there's the possibility to", or "as an alternative, we could".

Is it grammatically correct to say, "Otherwise we can"?

Yes, "otherwise we can" is grammatically correct and commonly used to introduce an alternative action or possibility. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable.

When is it appropriate to use "otherwise we can" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "otherwise we can" when you want to provide an alternative option or course of action that will be taken if the initial condition or plan doesn't occur.