Alternatives to if

• In advanced design management discussions, we often need to express hypothetical conditions without using standard if-clauses. These alternatives make our speech and writing more formal and precise.
• Structure
• Meaning
• Example
• supposing / assuming that
• if it is the case that
• Assuming that the funding goes through, we will hire two new UX researchers in Austin.
• otherwise / or else
• if not / under other conditions
• We must secure our runway quickly; otherwise, the studio in Chicago will have to downsize.
• but for / if it hadn't been for
• without the help or presence of
• If it hadn't been for the timely investor update, our startup in Seattle would have failed.
• Remember
• Use 'supposing' or 'assuming (that)' at the beginning of a clause to introduce a hypothetical scenario.
• Use 'otherwise' or 'or else' to state the negative consequence if the main clause does not happen.
• Use 'but for' followed by a noun phrase to show that one thing prevented a negative outcome.
• Examples
• Assuming that our burn rate stays low, we can survive the year.
• We need to cut corners; otherwise, the client in Boston will cancel the project.
• If it weren't for the senior product designer's help, the prototype would look unfinished.
• Common mistakes
• Supposing that the client will pay, we start the redesign.
• Supposing that the client pays, we will start the redesign.

Complete the sentences

• We must finalize the wireframes today; (otherwise) ____ the agency in Portland will lose the contract.
• ___ (assume) ____ that the venture capital arrives, we will expand our office in London.
• If (be not for) ____ for the lead designer, our app would lack a clear strategy.
• But (preposition for except) ____ the tight runway, we would invest more in user testing.
• Finish the design system now, (or else) ____ the developers in Manchester will fall behind.
• Supposing (that) ____ the funding falls through, what is our plan B scenario?

Sources: photo by Thirdman on Pexels