If so stands in for if that is the case and if not stands in for if that is not the case, economically replacing an entire preceding clause after a yes/no question, as in will the meeting be rescheduled, if so, please notify all attendees.
Grammar Rule
If so stands in for the meaning if that is the case; if not stands in for if that is not the case — both need a clear preceding yes/no question.
If So / If Not: Rules and Examples
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| if so | if that is the case (= if the answer is yes) | Will the meeting be rescheduled? If so, please notify all attendees. |
| if not | if that is not the case (= if the answer is no) | Did you receive the package? If not, I’ll contact the courier. |
Remember: if so = if that is the case; if not = if that is not the case — both need a clear preceding yes/no question or statement, and are usually followed by a comma.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using if so and if not correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C1-58 "If so" / "If not" – Replacing Entire Clauses
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does if so mean?
If that is the case, as in will the meeting be rescheduled, if so, please notify all attendees.
What does if not mean?
If that is not the case, as in did you receive the package, if not, I’ll contact the courier.
What must precede if so or if not?
A clear preceding yes/no question or statement.
What punctuation usually follows if so or if not?
A comma.