if not
Should that fail
If not introduces an alternative or exception to what precedes it.
It can mean "perhaps even" when suggesting a stronger possibility: The work will take months, if not years.
It can mean "otherwise" or "in the absence of that": If not for her quick thinking, we'd have been lost.
The phrase also sets up a contrast: If not brilliant, he was at least competent.
In another manner
- insteadAs a replacement
- alternativelyBy another choice
- elseIndicating an alternative
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
backup · plan B · second choice · substitute · replacement
Final result of events
- resultWhat follows a cause
- implicationIndirect suggestion or consequence
- effectResult of a cause
- riskPossibility of harm
danger · hazard · threat · warning · inevitability · certainty · probability · likelihood
Unverified belief accepted as true
- prerequisiteRequired prior condition
- stipulationCondition in an agreement
- provisoConditional clause in contracts
- contingencyUncertain possible event
precondition · criterion · qualification · reservation · restriction · limitation · circumstance · scenario
otherwise
In another manner
- insteadAs a replacement
- alternativelyBy another choice
- elseIndicating an alternative
fallback · backup · plan B · second choice · substitute · replacement
outcome
Final result of events
- resultWhat follows a cause
- implicationIndirect suggestion or consequence
- effectResult of a cause
risk · danger · hazard · threat · warning · inevitability · certainty · probability · likelihood · chance
assumption
Unverified belief accepted as true
- prerequisiteRequired prior condition
- stipulationCondition in an agreement
- provisoConditional clause in contracts
contingency · precondition · criterion · qualification · reservation · restriction · limitation · circumstance · scenario · eventuality
- conditionalsthen, else, conditional, antecedent, counterfactual
if notif so
if · in that case · provided that · assuming that · in the event that