Academic English #5. otherwise

"Otherwise" is often used with the following meanings.

• if not

• in a different way

• apart from that

It is very effective when explaining logical transitions, contrasts between conditions, and exceptional situations.

It is also a useful expression in academic presentations, paper introductions, and interpretation of research findings.

10 example sentences

• If we do not consider this variable, the results may be distorted. We must address this variable, otherwise the results may be misleading.

• This treatment is safe. Otherwise, we would not have recommended it.

• The participants were healthy. Otherwise, they would have been excluded from the study.

• The reaction was expected; otherwise, it would have been surprising.

• This method works for men; it may not for women otherwise.

• We followed the protocol strictly. Otherwise, the results would have been invalid.

• There were no side effects. Otherwise, we would have stopped the experiment.

• The patient cooperated well, unlike others who behaved otherwise.

• This seems intuitive, but the data say otherwise.

• This assumption applies in most cases. In rare cases, there are exceptions.