if in disbelief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if in disbelief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a condition or situation where someone is experiencing doubt or skepticism about something. Example: "If in disbelief, one might question the validity of the claims being made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Second?" she mouthed, as if in disbelief.

Independent

The principal shook her head, smiling as if in disbelief.

The New York Times

Was he announcing the news to followers or speaking to himself, as if in disbelief?

The New York Times

After malfunctioning as if in disbelief, the device registers 98 miles an hour.

The New York Times

Two men looked at each other, smiled and shook their heads as if in disbelief.

The New York Times - Sports

As the frigid and frustrated fans booed, Manning stood rooted to his spot, staring as if in disbelief.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

He's good to look at, even if it is in disbelief most of the time.

The Guardian

At daybreak the next morning, the square was subdued, as if people were in disbelief at what had happened.

The New Yorker

COLD warriors would have gasped in disbelief if they could have foreseen the debut of a new American rocket last month.

The New York Times

In the circumstances, breaking his jaw in the final warm-up match before the season started would have left him shaking his head in disbelief, if it hadn't hurt so much.

The Guardian - Sport

By Don Murray, InternationalLiving.com If you've watched in disbelief as the American Dream you grew up believing in has seemingly evaporated into thin air, do not despair.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone you want to convey. "If in disbelief" can range from neutral observation to expressing personal skepticism, so choose words and phrasing that align with your intended message.

Common error

Avoid using "if in disbelief" without clearly indicating what the disbelief pertains to. Omitting this context can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your statement. Always specify the object of disbelief.

Linguistic Context

"If in disbelief" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express a condition of doubt or incredulity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is generally considered grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if in disbelief" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to introduce a hypothetical situation involving doubt or incredulity. Ludwig AI validates this, and its examples highlight its prevalence in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it is important to clearly specify what the disbelief pertains to in order to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "if skeptical" or "if doubtful" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Overall, the phrase is versatile and suitable for various writing styles, with the understanding that clarity and context are key to its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if incredulous

Replaces 'disbelief' with a direct synonym 'incredulous', maintaining a formal tone.

in case of incredulity

Similar to "if in disbelief" but uses the word "incredulity".

if skeptical

Substitutes 'in disbelief' with 'skeptical', emphasizing doubt and questioning.

if doubtful

Replaces 'in disbelief' with 'doubtful', suggesting uncertainty about the truth.

if unconvinced

Uses 'unconvinced' instead of 'in disbelief', highlighting a lack of persuasion.

should one doubt

Changes the structure to a conditional clause expressing doubt.

assuming disbelief

Shifts the focus to assuming a state of disbelief.

in the event of disbelief

Presents a more formal and conditional scenario of disbelief.

on the off chance of disbelief

Suggests a remote possibility of disbelief.

were one to doubt

A more formal and hypothetical way of expressing doubt.

FAQs

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

You can use "if in disbelief" to introduce a hypothetical situation where someone is doubting or questioning something. For example: "If in disbelief about the data, review the original sources."

What are some alternatives to "if in disbelief"?

Some alternatives include "if skeptical", "if doubtful", or "in case of incredulity", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "if in disbelief" grammatically correct?

Yes, "if in disbelief" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a conditional clause.

What does "if in disbelief" mean?

"If in disbelief" means 'in the event that someone is experiencing doubt or incredulity'. It sets up a hypothetical scenario where someone is questioning the truth or validity of something.