if ever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'if ever' is a valid phrase in English and it can be used in written English.
In general, it is used to express a hypothetical situation or to suggest a possibility. Example: If ever I won the lottery, the first thing I would do is travel around the world.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If ever.

The New Yorker

If ever...

The New York Times - Books

They rarely if ever bite.

The Economist

Flux constraints are rarely, if ever, applied.

Journal of Hydrology

Rarely, if ever, do they forgive them".

The New York Times

Not yet — if ever, he said.

The New York Times

They will not appear soon, if ever.

The Economist

If ever — not just 10 years".

The New York Times - Sports

Witty rarely, if ever, plays as sexy.

The New Yorker

Rarely if ever have things looked better.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Are rarely-if ever-absent.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the infrequency of an event, consider pairing "if ever" with adverbs like "rarely" or "seldom". For example: "They rarely, if ever, come to Stellwagen."

Common error

While "if ever" is grammatically correct, overuse in formal writing can make your prose sound less precise. In such cases, consider alternatives such as "in the event that" or "should the occasion arise" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if ever" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express a conditional or hypothetical scenario. It indicates a possibility, often implying that the event is unlikely but not impossible, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

26%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if ever" serves as an adverbial phrase to introduce a conditional or hypothetical scenario, often implying a degree of improbability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent use across various contexts, especially in news and media. While versatile, it is best employed to set up conditional statements where the likelihood of the event is uncertain. Alternatives like "if at all" or "in the event that" may be more appropriate in formal settings. When using "if ever", ensure clarity by specifying the intended consequence or outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Should it happen

This alternative is a more concise and slightly more formal version of expressing a conditional possibility.

If at all

This alternative emphasizes a lower probability or a stronger doubt regarding the condition being met, contrasting with "if ever" which implies a possibility.

If by some chance

This phrase suggests a rare or unexpected occurrence, emphasizing the improbability of the condition.

On the off chance

This alternative conveys a sense of low probability, similar to "if at all", but with a slightly more casual tone.

When and if

This emphasizes the uncertainty of both the timing and the occurrence of the event, contrasting with "if ever" which focuses more on the possibility.

In the event that

This offers a more formal and specific condition than the more general "if ever".

In any case

This phrase provides a broader conditionality, encompassing situations where "if ever" might apply, while focusing on the outcome regardless of the condition.

If the opportunity presents itself

This phrase specifies that the condition depends on a favorable circumstance, adding a layer of specificity.

Assuming that it happens

This alternative highlights the uncertainty of the event, similar to "if ever", but with a more direct acknowledgment of doubt.

Should the occasion arise

This alternative phrase offers a more formal tone, suggesting preparedness for a specific, potentially infrequent situation.

FAQs

How to use "if ever" in a sentence?

"If ever" is used to express a conditional or hypothetical situation, often one that is unlikely. For example, "If ever I win the lottery, I'll travel the world."

What's a similar expression to "if ever"?

Alternatives to "if ever" include "if at all", "in the event that", or "should it happen", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "rarely, if ever"?

No, "rarely, if ever" is a common and acceptable construction. It emphasizes that the event is not only infrequent but possibly never occurs, adding a layer of emphasis.

Can "if ever" be used at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "if ever" can begin a sentence to introduce a conditional clause. For example, "If ever there was a time to act, it is now."