When and if

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "When and if" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a condition that may or may not happen in the future, often in contexts involving planning or decision-making. Example: "I will let you know when and if I receive the necessary approvals for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

When and if I come back, I'll be playing.

The New York Times - Sports

"When and if he is, we'll decide how to proceed".

The New York Times

When and if Tribune emerges from bankruptcy, it will apparently proceed with new management.

The New York Times

When and if you join the service, watch out.

TechCrunch

When and if this is the case, there is multiple domain supervenience.

SEP

When and if the court hears the case is unknown.

Huffington Post

When and if peace can actually exist on earth?

Huffington Post

When and if I get married, I want my country.

Huffington Post

When and if Radiohead does, it will be exactly the right time.

Los Angeles Times

"When and if Trump implodes, those like Cruz want to nab his supporters," Luntz said.

Los Angeles Times

When and if that happens, KC could become obsolete in its entirety.

Biology Direct

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "When and if" to clearly indicate that an event's timing and occurrence are both uncertain. It's most effective when planning for contingencies or discussing potential future scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "When and if" excessively in your writing. Over-reliance can make your writing sound hesitant. Opt for stronger conditional phrasing when appropriate, such as "if" or "should" followed by a direct statement of intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "When and if" functions as a conditional conjunction, linking two uncertain events. Ludwig examples show it used to express contingencies in both formal and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

25%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "When and if" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express uncertainty about both the timing and occurrence of a future event. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While "When and if" is a valuable tool for expressing contingencies, avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "if and when" or "should it happen that" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

If and when

Inversion of the original phrase, maintaining near-identical meaning and conditionality.

In the event that

Expresses a potential future occurrence with a slightly more formal tone.

Should it happen that

Introduces a hypothetical situation, emphasizing uncertainty.

On the occasion that

Suggests a specific instance or circumstance under which something might occur.

If it should arise

Highlights the possibility of a situation developing or emerging.

Assuming that

Sets a condition as a basis for a subsequent action or outcome.

Provided that

Similar to assuming that, but often used in more formal or legal contexts.

In circumstances where

Focuses on the surrounding conditions or context of a potential event.

Contingent upon

Emphasizes the dependence of one event on another's occurrence.

Once and if

Combines completion of an action with a conditional aspect.

FAQs

How do I use "When and if" in a sentence?

"When and if" is used to express a condition that has two uncertainties: the timing and the occurrence of an event. For example, "We will proceed with the project "when and if" we secure funding."

What are some alternatives to "When and if"?

Alternatives include "if and when", "in the event that", or "should it happen that". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is it redundant to use both "when" and "if" together?

While some may consider it redundant, using both "when" and "if" emphasizes the uncertainty of both the timing and the occurrence of the event. It adds a layer of conditionality that might be missed with just "if" or "when" alone.

What's the difference between "When and if" and "If and when"?

The phrases "When and if" and "If and when" are largely interchangeable and carry the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.