If not or If not: when to use?

"If not" or "if not" are two terms that have the same sound, however, they are used in different situations. Learn once and for all how to use them correctly.

If not

When this term is written together, it usually means “otherwise”, “otherwise”, “unless”.

Example:

I have to go to class, if not I will miss the teacher's comments.
I have to go to class, otherwise I will miss the teacher's comments.

However, depending on its function in the sentence, this word can play the role of a noun, conjunction, or preposition.

When is it substantive means a problem, failure or something defective.

Talita has only one if not, is very impulsive.
Talita has only one defect, is very impulsive

When is it conjunction means something negative, and can be replaced by “otherwise”, “otherwise”, “otherwise (way)”, etc.

In this case, the term can play the role of an alternative conjunction or an adversative conjunction.

Alternative conjunction

We can't leave, if not we missed the presentation.
We can't leave, otherwise we missed the presentation.

Adversative conjunction

Julio didn't get a present for his birthday, if not for the wedding anniversary.
Julio didn't get a present for his birthday, but for the wedding anniversary

When is it prepositionmeans an exception, and can be replaced by: “except”, “except for”, “unless”, “unless”.

Luana didn't buy anything at the fair, if not a T-shirt.
Luana didn't buy anything at the fair, except a T-shirt.

If no

When the term is written separately, however, it gives the idea of ​​“if not”. Therefore, to know which word to use you must substitute it in the sentence and analyze if it remains coherent.

This expression is formed by the conjunction "if" and the adverb "no".

Example:

If no arrive in time for class, i will miss the exam
If not arrive in time for class, i will miss the exam

otherwise or if not - How do you spell it?

Template Exercises

1. (FGV) The sentence whose spelling of the underlined word is correct is:

a) Ambition is nothing if no the evil shadow of aspiration.
b) What is a weed if no a plant whose virtues have yet to be discovered?
c) Freedom is nothing if no the distance between the hunt and the hunter.
d) If you wait for tomorrow, tomorrow comes; if no wait for tomorrow, tomorrow comes.
e) Civilization is nothing more if no a coat of paint that any drizzle washes away.

See Answer

Alternative d: If you wait for tomorrow, tomorrow comes; if no wait for tomorrow, tomorrow comes.

2. (Cesgranrio) It's better to start exercising the language, _________ your relationship could end badly. The survey recently conducted by the company was _________ of employee emotional stress. I explained to him the demands of the current market _________ he would adapt better.

The sequence that correctly completes the above sentences is

a) if not - the fence - so that
b) if not - about - so that
c) if not - about - so that
d) if not - about - so that
e) otherwise - the fence - so that

See Answer

Alternative d: if not - about - so that

Test your knowledge further at Spelling Exercises

3. (Cesgranrio) The reasons _________ don't like you are many. Don't give negative reviews, _________ will regret it. What I say can be _________ interpreted. The option whose sequence correctly completes the above sentences is

a) why - if not - bad
b) why - if not - bad
c) why - if not - bad
d) because - if not - bad
e) because - if not - bad

See Answer

Alternative b: why - if not - bad

Also read about other Portuguese questions:

• Evil or Evil?
• More or But?
• In order or In order?
• Use of Where and Where
• Finally or In End?
• Too much or too much
• When to Use: This or This?
• Session, Section, Section, Assignment
• Use of Why, Why, Why and Why
• English errors
• Lose or Lose?