if certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if certain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing conditions or situations that depend on specific criteria being met. Example: "The project will proceed if certain requirements are fulfilled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"What if certain coaches leave?

The Guardian - Sport

Sometimes it would be nice if certain technologies stood still.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If certain political and legal decisions are taken, it's possible".

The Guardian

"I would have if certain people hadn't come out.

The Guardian

Obviously, if certain people knew certain things, they weren't letting on.

The New York Times - Arts

Genetic testing involves looking at a person's DNA to see if certain mutations are present.

The New York Times

If certain conditions are satisfied, the number is definitely not prime.

The Economist

Concepts offer a basis for deciding if certain changes will have significant effects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Natural selection can make novel structures, but only if certain conditions are satisfied.

The Economist

"Because if certain people in Iraq were to find out I am in America..."...

The New Yorker

"IF CERTAIN people don't like France, they shouldn't hesitate to leave".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if certain", ensure that the conditions you are referring to are clearly defined or easily understood within the context of your writing. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "if certain" when the conditions are too vague or undefined. Instead, specify the exact conditions required to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if certain" functions as a conditional clause introducer. It sets the stage for a statement that depends on specific, often unspecified, conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if certain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that introduces conditional statements. Ludwig AI analysis shows that it expresses dependence on specific, sometimes unspecified, conditions across varied contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it is crucial to ensure clarity by specifying the conditions following "if certain" to avoid vagueness. For alternatives, consider "provided that" or "only if" to add nuance. Its widespread presence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability in formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depending on specific

Directly indicates reliance on a specific factor.

only if specific

Highlights that this is the only condition.

given specific

Emphasizes a particular condition that must be met.

provided particular

Highlights a necessary provision for a specific outcome.

assuming specific

Focuses on an assumption regarding a particular aspect.

contingent upon particular

Stresses dependence on a specific contingency.

subject to particular

Highlights that something is conditional to a specific term.

conditional on particular

Stresses the reliance on a specific condition.

in the event of specific

Focuses on something that may occur.

in circumstances of specific

Focuses on something that may occur.

FAQs

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

Use "if certain" to introduce a condition that needs to be met for a particular outcome to occur. For example, "The project will proceed "if certain" milestones are achieved."

What are some alternatives to "if certain"?

Alternatives include phrases like "provided that", "only if", or "on the condition that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "if specific" instead of "if certain"?

While both phrases can be used, "if certain" implies a degree of generality, whereas "if specific" emphasizes particularity. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the specificity of the conditions.

How do I make sure the conditions following "if certain" are clear?

Ensure that the conditions are explicitly stated and easily understood within the context. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific details or examples to clarify what "certain" refers to.