If not or if not? If you intend to use a synonym for “except”, “otherwise”, “unless”, “however” or “problem”, it is correct to use the word “otherwise”. But if you're starting a conditional, causal, or temporal adverbial subordinate clause, it's okay to write "if not."
Read too: Stir or stir?
If or if not: what's the difference?
The word "otherwise" is used synonymously with "except", “otherwise”, “unless”, “however” or “problem”. Already the expression “if not” is used at the beginning of adverbial subordinate clauses conditional, causal or temporal. So when a parent tells his child, “Do your homework now, or you'll be grounded on the weekend,” he's saying, “Do your homework now; otherwise, you will be grounded on the weekend”.
However, it is different when the same father says: “If you don't do your homework now, you will be grounded on the weekend”. In this example, "If you don't do your homework now" is a adverbial subordinate clause conditional, as it indicates the condition for the child to be grounded on the weekend. Therefore, in this case, it is correct to use the expression “if not”.
when to use if not?
The term "otherwise" can perform the following functions:
- Preposition:
We dance everything but the waltz.
or
We danced everything except the waltz.
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- alternative conjunction:
New Zealand followed the rules of social distance; otherwise, there would be many victims of the disease.
or
New Zealand followed the rules of social distance; otherwise, there would be many victims of the disease.
- conditional conjunction:
Killing is a heinous act, if not in self-defense.
or
Killing is a heinous act, except in self-defense.
- Adversative conjunction:
I wasn't looking for fame, but money.
or
I wasn't looking for fame, but money.
- Substantive:
I have no peace, there is always a snag in my life.
or
I have no peace, there is always a problem in my life.
Read too: Arrived or arrived?
when to use if no?
The expression "if not" is used at the beginning of the following adverbial subordinate clauses:
- Conditional:
If you don't use your sense of justice, the suffering will have no end.
or
If you don't use your sense of justice, the suffering will never end.
- Causal:
If you have no other questions, class is over.
or
Since you have no other questions, class is over.
- Temporal:
If you don't say anything, everyone uses your computer.
or
When you don't say anything, everyone uses your computer.
Question 1 - Read the following fragment:
After long investigations, I was finally convinced that the Sun is a fixed star surrounded by planets that revolve around it and that it is the center and the flame. That, in addition to the main planets, there are others of the second order that first circulate as satellites around the main planets and with them around the Sun. [...] I have no doubt that mathematicians are of my opinion, if they want to take the trouble to take knowledge, not superficially but in a profound way, of the demonstrations I will give in this constructions. If some light and ignorant men want to commit against me the abuse of invoking some steps of the Scripture (sacred), which twist the meaning, I will despise their attacks: the mathematical truths must not be judged if not by mathematicians.
COPERNICUS, Nicholas. From revolutionibus orbium coelestium.
The term "otherwise", highlighted in the text, has the grammatical function of:
A) alternative conjunction, with the same meaning as “otherwise”.
B) conditional conjunction, with the same meaning as “not to be”.
C) adversative conjunction, with the same meaning as “but”.
D) adverbial tense at the beginning of a subordinate clause.
E) adverbial adjunct of cause at the beginning of a subordinate clause.
Resolution
Alternative B. The word "otherwise", in the statement "mathematical truths should only be judged by mathematicians", has the function of conjunction conditional and can be replaced by “unless”. Therefore, "mathematical truths are not to be judged except by mathematicians." In this way, the condition for the mathematical truths to be judged is explained, that is, only mathematicians can judge these truths.
Question 2 - Correctly fill in the gaps in the text below with the expressions “if not” or “if not”.
______ arrive on time, you will not be received. And if you want your money back, please make the request in writing, ______ your request cannot be granted. But ______ agree to these conditions, please do not sign this contract.
Check the alternative that has the correct sequence for filling in the blanks.
A) If not, if not, if not.
B) If not, if not, if not.
C) If not, if not, if not.
D) If not, if not, if not.
E) If not, if not, if not.
Resolution
Alternative B. The correct sequence for filling in the gaps is: If no (starts conditional adverbial subordinate clause — “if you don't arrive at the appointed time, you will not be received”), if not (alternative conjunction — "otherwise your request will not be honored") and if no (begins conditional adverbial subordinate clause — “if you do not agree with these conditions, do not sign this contract”).
by Warley Souza
grammar teacher
