but if it makes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but if it makes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing a conditional statement that suggests a potential outcome or effect of an action. Example: "I don't usually enjoy spicy food, but if it makes the dish more flavorful, I might give it a try."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Illumiroom is still in its infancy, but if it makes it to market the next Xbox could bring about a revolution in the way that we watch games, and the way they watch us.

BBC

Fox won't say what its intentions are, but if it makes the demand, Cablevision must come up with $1 billion in cash over three years or sell off Fox's stake in a public offering, giving Fox the proceeds.

Forbes

But if it makes you slightly squeamish, consider cutting down on your leather purchases.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"But if it makes a bunch of money, you can be sure there will be others".

The New York Times

"But if it makes me happy, why not follow him?" she said.

The New York Times - Arts

But if it makes him happy, only good things will come out of it".

The New York Times

But if it makes you feel better about yourself, it's not doing much harm either".

The Guardian

But if it makes you feel any better I love you enough to lie.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Law and order: Amnesty International decries the continued use of torture and executions by the government and various rebel armies, but -- if it makes you feel better -- these atrocities rarely affect travelers.

The New York Times

But only if it makes sense to do so.

MIT Technology Review

I'm all for being a miser, but not if it makes you miserable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but if it makes" to introduce a contrast followed by a conditional clause, offering a nuanced perspective or justification. For instance, "I'm not sure about this decision, but if it makes the team more efficient, I'm willing to try it."

Common error

While "but if it makes" is acceptable in general contexts, avoid overuse in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated conjunctions or sentence structures to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but if it makes" functions as a conditional conjunction. It introduces a clause that presents a condition which, if met, would influence the outcome or validity of the preceding statement. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but if it makes" serves as a conditional conjunction used to introduce a contingency that can influence a prior statement. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and is very common, particularly within news and media contexts. While versatile, writers should be mindful of the phrase's formality, as more sophisticated conjunctions may be preferred in formal writing. Overall, "but if it makes" effectively introduces a contrasting condition and its potential impact, offering a nuanced perspective across various communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, should it cause

Replaces "but if" with "however, should", adding a touch of formality and emphasizing a hypothetical situation.

still, if it contributes to

Uses "still, if" to indicate a persistent factor despite other considerations, focusing on a positive contribution.

yet, assuming it leads to

Uses "yet, assuming" instead of "but if", introducing a contrast and focusing on the condition leading to a specific outcome.

even so, provided it brings about

Employs "even so, provided" to show concession and the necessary condition for a specific consequence.

regardless, should it give rise to

Offers a more emphatic alternative using "regardless, should", highlighting the condition giving rise to a specific outcome.

nonetheless, on the condition that it yields

Offers a more formal alternative using "nonetheless, on the condition that", highlighting the required condition for a particular result.

all the same, given it produces

Emphasizes a continued course of action with "all the same, given", focusing on the result that is produced.

in spite of that, supposing it generates

Introduces a contrasting element with "in spite of that, supposing", emphasizing the hypothetical generation of a result.

despite everything, in the event that it engenders

Highlights a situation persisting "despite everything, in the event that", focusing on the condition that engenders a particular effect.

be that as it may, as long as it fosters

Presents a concessive tone using "be that as it may, as long as", focusing on the condition that fosters a particular outcome.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "but if it makes" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "however, should it cause", "nonetheless, on the condition that it yields", or "even so, provided it brings about".

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but if"?

Starting a sentence with "but if" is grammatically acceptable, particularly in informal contexts. However, in more formal writing, it might be preferable to combine the clauses or use a different conjunction to avoid a potentially abrupt start.

What is the difference between "but if it makes" and "even if it makes"?

"But if it makes" introduces a conditional outcome that contrasts with a previous statement, whereas "even if it makes" suggests that the outcome will occur regardless of other circumstances.

When is it appropriate to use "but if it makes" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "but if it makes" when you want to introduce a contrasting condition that could change a previously stated situation or opinion. It is versatile and can be used in many contexts, though be mindful of formality.