word choice - "If not" vs "If it is not"


You were sent a package.
If it is not received please call customer support.


or


You were sent a package.
If not received please call customer support.


Which version is correct? Is there a better version?



Answer



Both are correct.


The second is using a form of elision that is only appropriate in some contexts like notices and headlines, but since this text is presumably in a notice, that's okay.


If this was part of a larger piece of running text, that would not be okay.


If this was followed by a larger piece of text, then it likely would be okay. Indeed it would be ideal; such headline-style notes are good for small pieces of text in a larger font or otherwise made particularly prominent, then followed by more detailed text that gives a fuller description. The elision of some words helps it stand out (one of the reasons the style is also used in headlines).


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