than otherwise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'than otherwise' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used in a comparative fashion to show how two things differ, e.g., "The internet has enabled us to connect with others with more ease than otherwise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Birds in migration go faster than otherwise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

More people have tried the vaccine than otherwise would have.

The New York Times

There still may be moths, but far fewer than otherwise.

The New York Times

That produces agreements quicker and more effectively than otherwise".

The New York Times

"But I think that it was much worse than otherwise it could have been," he said.

The New York Times

The fact that he's so often quoted is a sign of his talent rather than otherwise.

The Guardian - Books

A cruel way to end the game for Irish, but they emerged more heartened than otherwise.

The Guardian - Sport

A lower growth trajectory means many millions stuck in poverty for years longer than otherwise.

The Economist

Yes, nominal rates would be higher than otherwise; but real rates would, if anything, be lower.

The New York Times

It is just raising concern the global economy is slowing down more than otherwise thought".

The New York Times

If bond yields remain low, the Fed will have to raise rates by more than otherwise.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "than otherwise" to clearly establish a comparison between a current situation and a hypothetical alternative, enhancing the clarity and impact of your writing.

Common error

Ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what is being compared when using "than otherwise". Without a clear comparison, the phrase can become vague and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "than otherwise" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to introduce a comparison with a hypothetical or alternative scenario. Ludwig shows this in various sentence structures, demonstrating its role in establishing contrast.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "than otherwise" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to draw comparisons between actual situations and hypothetical alternatives. According to Ludwig, it’s grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by clearly stating what is being compared. Alternatives include "instead", "differently", and "by contrast". "Than otherwise" is suitable for formal and neutral registers, enhancing clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unlike what would happen normally

Emphasizes the deviation from the typical or expected course of events.

as opposed to

Directly compares two distinct options or possibilities.

under different circumstances

Emphasizes how altered conditions could lead to a different outcome.

by contrast

Draws attention to the dissimilarities between two things.

in another way

Highlights a change in approach or perspective.

conversely

Presents an idea that is the opposite of what has been stated.

differently

Focuses on the manner in which something is done, implying a contrast in method.

in other respects

Shifts the focus to comparing specific aspects or details.

instead

Replaces the entire phrase with a single word suggesting an alternative action or state.

on the contrary

Introduces a statement that contrasts with a previous one.

FAQs

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

Use "than otherwise" to compare a situation to a hypothetical alternative. For example, "The project was completed more quickly "than otherwise" expected."

What does "than otherwise" mean?

"Than otherwise" introduces a comparison, suggesting a different outcome or condition if circumstances were not as they are. It's similar to saying "compared to what would have happened in a different situation".

What are some alternatives to "than otherwise"?

You can use alternatives like "instead", "differently", or "by contrast" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "different than otherwise"?

While "different than" is sometimes used, "different from" is generally preferred. However, ""than otherwise"" is a separate phrase used to introduce a hypothetical comparison.