if ever possible

USAGE SUMMARY

"if ever possible" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of something happening whenever it can. For example, "We should make an effort to visit our family members as often as if ever possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Because of missing feedback signals from field, testing the control software can in such circumstances be very difficult, if ever possible.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Their isolation is difficult if ever possible.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Unfortunately, it is rarely if ever possible to construct a unified global model for the dependence of σu on X.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Also it is difficult, if ever possible to mimic many physiological phenotypes and micro-environments in the cell-based assays.

Protein & Cell

Hunting for trends during a food show is a daunting task, if ever possible.

HuffPost

A more rigorous accounting, if ever possible, would only be possible following experimental characterization of many gene products.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Spielberg said he would be against a PreCrime system if it were ever possible, as he believes that if it did exist, those in control of it would undoubtedly abuse its powers.

Wikipedia

If victory was ever possible in this war, it has not been won, and America still faces the daunting challenges of the other war, in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

If it was ever possible to discuss personal thrift without elevating it to a public quarrel, those days are long gone.

The New York Times - Books

None of the scientists seeking an AIDS cure knows how many barriers must be overcome to rid the body of the last H.I.V., if that is ever possible.

The New York Times

It will take months or even years to produce meaningful answers, if it is ever possible to answer adequately such questions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if ever possible", ensure the surrounding sentence structure clearly outlines the action or goal that is contingent on the possibility. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, relying too heavily on "if ever possible" can make writing sound uncertain or lacking in confidence, especially in formal business or academic settings. Consider stronger, more direct alternatives when certainty is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if ever possible" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a condition or contingency under which an action or event might occur. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if ever possible" is a grammatically sound adverbial modifier used to express conditional possibilities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not exceedingly common, it appears across diverse contexts, including science and news media. When writing, use it to soften statements and show intent, recognizing uncertainty. Be mindful of overusing it, especially in formal settings where directness is valued.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if there's any chance

Emphasizes the existence of even a slight opportunity.

if the opportunity arises

Highlights the importance of the right conditions occurring.

should the occasion present itself

A more formal way of saying if the chance occurs.

if circumstances permit

Focuses on external conditions allowing something to happen.

if it can be done

Directly questions the feasibility of an action.

assuming it is feasible

Adds an assumption of feasibility to the condition.

contingent on possibility

Stresses the reliance on something being possible.

depending on the feasibility

Highlights that an action is dependent on its practicability.

if the stars align

Figurative way of saying if everything goes perfectly.

when and if feasible

Explicitly includes a temporal aspect to the feasibility condition.

FAQs

How can I use "if ever possible" in a sentence?

Use "if ever possible" to express a conditional action that depends on whether something is feasible or achievable. For example, "We aim to complete the project on time, if ever possible."

What are some alternatives to "if ever possible"?

Alternatives include "if there's any chance", "if circumstances permit", or "should the occasion present itself" depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it redundant to say "if it is ever possible" instead of "if ever possible"?

While both are grammatically correct, "if ever possible" is more concise and generally preferred. "If it is ever possible" is more verbose but can be used for emphasis in certain contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "if ever possible" in writing?

Use "if ever possible" when you want to express a goal or intention that is contingent on uncertain or challenging conditions. It's suitable for situations where you want to acknowledge the potential difficulty while still expressing hope for a positive outcome.