Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
unless explicitly stated otherwise
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase 'unless explicitly stated otherwise' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to mean that certain conditions, arrangements, or assumptions will remain unchanged unless a specific statement is made saying otherwise. For example, "All contracts will remain in force unless explicitly stated otherwise."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
26 human-written examples
For estimating the OR, the population was split into low/high groups where the threshold for each marker was defined by cross-validation on the train/evaluation subpopulations (unless explicitly stated otherwise).
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the intensity and FRET ratios in the cytoplasm and nucleus were statistically different (p-value < 0.001).
Science & Research
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the intensity and mean FRET ratios in the cytoplasm and nucleus were statistically different (p-value < 0.001).
Science & Research
First, privacy will become an expectation or norm among consumers -- unless explicitly stated otherwise.
News & Media
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, we assume a symmetric calibration between the home and foreign country.
Science
We stress that all computational approaches described below target tandem MS, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
34 human-written examples
But let me state once and for all (one can but dream) that it is not OK to ask trans people about their private lives unless they have explicitly stated otherwise.
News & Media
Unless it is explicitly stated otherwise, each sensitivity analysis maintains the assumptions of the baseline scenario, with the exception of the assumption which is the subject of the sensitivity analysis.
The Wales and Berwick Act 1746 provided that all laws that applied to England would automatically apply to Wales (and the Anglo-Scottish border town of Berwick) unless the law explicitly stated otherwise.
Wiki
The German federal states, the so-called Bundesländer, enjoy far-reaching autonomy: according to Germany's basic law, legislative authority rests with the states unless it is not explicitly stated otherwise.
News & Media
When we refer to the set of residues 'near ligands', we also include those found near catalytic sites unless we explicitly state otherwise.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "unless explicitly stated otherwise" to establish a clear default that applies to all situations, except where a specific deviation is noted. This improves clarity and avoids ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "unless explicitly stated otherwise" excessively in a single document, as it can make your writing seem repetitive and less engaging. Consider using a more concise alternative or rephrasing the sentence for better flow.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "unless explicitly stated otherwise" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically a conditional adverbial. It modifies a clause by introducing a condition under which the main statement does not apply. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.
Frequent in
Science
73%
News & Media
15%
Formal & Business
12%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "unless explicitly stated otherwise" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to establish default conditions while allowing for exceptions. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent application across diverse domains like science, news, and formal business communication. Its formal register suits situations demanding precision. When writing, it's best practice to utilize this phrase to avoid ambiguity while cautiously guarding against overuse, as it may introduce redundancy. Consider alternatives like "unless specified differently" or "except where indicated otherwise" to refine your prose and make it more fluid. It is a very common phrase as confirmed by Ludwig.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
unless specified differently
This alternative focuses on the specific details being different, rather than a general statement.
except where indicated otherwise
This is a more formal and concise way of expressing the same exception.
save when otherwise noted
This option is slightly more informal but maintains the same meaning.
except if another condition applies
This version highlights the conditional aspect of the exception.
if not otherwise noted
This option reverses the structure, emphasizing the lack of specific indication.
barring explicit instruction to the contrary
This is a more emphatic and formal way to express that only a clear and direct instruction can change the default.
absent a contrary statement
This alternative is very formal and somewhat less common.
without explicit alteration
This version emphasizes the lack of change or modification.
failing an explicit divergence
This alternative focuses on the idea of not deviating from the default unless clearly indicated.
other than when expressly stated
This emphasizes the explicit nature of the alternative statement.
FAQs
How can I use "unless explicitly stated otherwise" in a sentence?
This phrase is used to set a default condition that holds true except when a specific exception is mentioned. For example, "All data is presented in USD "unless explicitly stated otherwise"".
What are some alternatives to "unless explicitly stated otherwise"?
You can use phrases like "except where indicated otherwise", "unless specified differently", or "save when otherwise noted" depending on the context.
Is it redundant to use "unless explicitly stated otherwise"?
While generally acceptable, overuse can make writing seem repetitive. Consider if the context already implies the possibility of exceptions, or if a simpler phrase would suffice.
What is the register of "unless explicitly stated otherwise"?
The phrase is generally suitable for formal and professional contexts. In more informal settings, a simpler construction like "otherwise" or "except when noted" might be preferable.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested