Meaning of if not | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Indicates that a statement is true in the event that a condition is not satisfied.
2. Indicates that one statement at least is true, and possibly a second, stronger statement is true; perhaps even.
3. Indicates that one statement is true, but a second is not; but not.

Equivalents

Examples

“The plant⟳ will die⟳ if not watered.”

“He did as well as expected, if not better.”

“People who talk⟳ about an imminent possibility of war seldom pose this question⟳: What would North Korea’s leadership get⟳ from unleashing a war that they are likely to lose⟳ in weeks, if not days?”

“I saw⟳ that he had improved his manners if not his scruffy appearance.”

CEFR level