if attainable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if attainable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing goals, objectives, or outcomes that may be achievable under certain conditions. Example: "We will set our targets for the project, focusing on what is realistic and achievable, if attainable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The possibility of broader international support, if attainable, is worth waiting for.

The New York Times

But he had the imagination to know that genuine peace, if attainable with honour and dignity both for Arabs and Israelis, was the anchor ultimately for Israel's security.

The Guardian

"He had the imagination to know that genuine peace, if attainable with honour and dignity both for Arabs and Israelis, was the anchor ultimately for Israel's security".

The Guardian

Such recognition, if attainable, would not open roads, deliver water, create ports or airports, enhance security, remove Israeli troops or usher Palestinians from unsustainable victimhood to viable sovereignty.

The New York Times

"He had the imagination to know that genuine peace, if attainable with honour and dignity both for Arabs and Israelis, was the anchor ultimately for Israel's security," Blair said.

The Guardian

Ready availability of such information, especially if attainable noninvasively, could be a valuable addition to postoperative management.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

A modern development is provided of the classic result that, given two parties with independent private valuations, ex post efficiency is attainable if and only if it is common knowledge that gains from trade exist.

Handbook of Game Theory with Economic Applications

Although there is some truth in identifying him as an analytic philosopher he announces (1932, 61) that "the sole and whole function of philosophy" is philosophical analysis this is likely to be misunderstood today if one thinks that the proper goal of philosophy (attainable if not in practice at least in ideals) is definitional analysis.

SEP

"I know it's an ambitious goal, but it is attainable if we believe it is attainable; if we have the will.

Unicef

That seems far off, if it is attainable at all; instead, the fragile, partly reconstructed Afghan state feels as if it may be fragmenting again, slowly, piece by piece, under multiple violent pressures.

The New Yorker

If that fantasy were technologically attainable, and if it had already been in place, it would have done absolutely nothing to protect the nation against the recent horror.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if attainable" to clearly express that a plan, goal, or outcome is dependent on it being realistically achievable.

Common error

Avoid using "if attainable" when the possibility of achieving something is already highly improbable. If the goal is unrealistic, consider rephrasing to reflect the low likelihood of success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if attainable" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a condition that must be met for the main clause to be valid. This implies that the outcome is not guaranteed and depends on the possibility of achieving the specified goal.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if attainable" is a grammatically correct and usable conditional phrase, albeit rare in occurrence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's primarily used in neutral to formal contexts like news, science, and business to express contingency and uncertainty regarding goals or plans. Alternatives like "if achievable", "if feasible", and "if possible" offer nuanced variations. When using this phrase, ensure the context appropriately reflects the genuine possibility of achieving the stated condition; otherwise, rephrase for greater clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if achievable

Replaces "attainable" with a synonym, focusing on the action of achieving a goal.

if feasible

Emphasizes the practicality and logistical possibility.

if possible

A more general alternative that focuses on whether something can occur.

if within reach

Highlights the idea of being able to obtain something through effort.

assuming it can be attained

More verbose but clarifies the condition.

should it be attainable

Introduces a slightly more formal tone.

if it can be realized

Focuses on making something real or actual.

contingent on its attainability

Frames attainability as a condition.

provided it is attainable

Introduces a formal condition of provision.

assuming attainability

Abstracts the condition into a noun.

FAQs

How can I use "if attainable" in a sentence?

Use "if attainable" to indicate that the success of an action or plan depends on whether a certain goal or condition can be achieved. For instance, "We will adjust our targets for the project, focusing on what is realistic and achievable, if attainable".

What are some alternatives to "if attainable"?

Alternatives include "if achievable", "if feasible", or "if possible", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "if attainable" formal or informal?

"If attainable" can be used in both formal and neutral contexts. Its suitability depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

Which is correct, "if attainable" or "when attainable"?

"If attainable" implies a condition that needs to be met for something to happen. "When attainable" implies that something will happen once the condition is met. The choice depends on whether you are emphasizing the condition or the timing.