if correct

USAGE SUMMARY

"if correct" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest something is true only if certain conditions are met. For example: "If correct, the answer to the math problem is 6."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If correct, this hypothesis requires illite-rich gouges to exhibit frictionally unstable (velocity-weakening) behavior.

Earth and Planetary Science Letters

If correct, she receives $100,000.

The New York Times

If correct, it looks like Pearson's tactics have backfired.

The Guardian - Business

If correct, Scholes' claim would support this strategy.

The Guardian - Sport

If correct, they are over the cap by $500,000 this year.

The Guardian - Sport

If correct, they would win a T-shirt printed with the logo: "I spotted the Fed".

The Guardian - Tech

If correct, that would not give future astronauts much to drink.

The New York Times - Science

It is a conclusion of profound significance for the world economy, if correct.

The Guardian

Western analysts said that shortfall, if correct, probably indicated a failure of the missile's second stage.

The New York Times

If correct, this is at least 11 million years earlier than previous estimates.

The New York Times - Science

Arcane legal arguments -- even if correct -- are trumped by pithy one-liners around the water cooler.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if correct" to clearly indicate that the validity of a statement or conclusion depends on the accuracy of a preceding fact or assumption. This helps avoid misinterpretations by highlighting the conditional nature of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "if correct" when the accuracy of the preceding information is already well-established or irrelevant to the statement you're making. Using it unnecessarily can dilute the impact of your writing and suggest unwarranted doubt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if correct" functions as a conditional introductory element. According to Ludwig, it sets up a hypothetical scenario where the accuracy of a preceding statement directly influences the validity or consequence of the following statement. It introduces a dependency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if correct" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a conditional statement, emphasizing that the validity of a subsequent claim depends on the accuracy of preceding information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in science and news media. When employing this phrase, ensure that the conditional relationship is clear and relevant to avoid any ambiguity. Remember that alternatives like "assuming that's true" or "provided that's right" can offer nuanced ways to express conditionality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if that is accurate

Replaces "correct" with "accurate", maintaining the conditional tone.

provided that's right

Uses "provided that" instead of "if", implying a stipulation.

assuming that's true

Changes the structure to a participial phrase, emphasizing the assumption.

assuming this is so

Simplifies the phrasing while maintaining the conditional meaning.

should that be the case

Introduces a more formal and hypothetical tone.

given that it holds true

Emphasizes the condition of holding true as a basis.

if this holds up

Introduces an element of scrutiny or testing of the initial statement.

in the event that it's so

Adds a more formal and somewhat distanced tone.

on the condition that it's valid

Highlights the necessity of validity for the subsequent statement to be true.

contingent on its accuracy

Transforms the phrase to emphasize the dependency on accuracy.

FAQs

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

Use "if correct" to introduce a consequence or result that depends on the truth or accuracy of a preceding statement. For example, "The data suggests a market increase; "if correct", we should invest immediately."

What are some alternatives to saying "if correct"?

Alternatives include phrases like "assuming that's true", "provided that's right", or "if that is accurate", which all serve to indicate a condition upon which the following statement depends.

Is it better to use "if correct" or "if true"?

The choice between "if correct" and "if true" depends on context. "If correct" often implies verifying factual accuracy, while "if true" suggests a broader assessment of truthfulness or validity. Use ""if correct"" when referring to data or specific details, and "if true" when referring to claims or statements.

What's the difference between "if correct" and "even if correct"?

"If correct" introduces a condition that, if met, validates the following statement. "Even "if correct"", however, suggests that the following statement holds true regardless of whether the condition is met, implying a stronger assertion.