if incidentally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if incidentally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a statement that is not the main focus but is relevant to the topic being discussed. Example: "The project was a success, if incidentally, it also helped improve team morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

At the same time, I also feel that we are genuinely – if incidentally – doing the right thing by him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But, helpfully if incidentally, their opposition might oblige the IMF and its most powerful members to endorse such policies explicitly, instead of merely tolerating them.

The Economist

Each of these uses concise, evocative scenes to cumulatively express the particular mood of a particular phase of its narrator's life, while also managing to unfold gripping plots, as if incidentally.

The New Yorker

Moreover, in conditions of scarcity of available oocytes, in vitro derived gametes may lessen the burden on women to donate oocytes, and may simply create more opportunities for women to become parents, even if, incidentally, of their own genetic children.

Hypatia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

On FDG PET-CT, CHA appears strongly FDG-avid, which, if detected incidentally, warrants correlation with patient history and morphological imaging to avoid misdiagnosis [9].

Insights into Imaging

Yet Leibowitz's intentionalism dictates that such acts, even if they incidentally satisfy certain human needs, would still not be ethical acts given their religious motivation.

SEP

If subjects incidentally visited a general dentist outside the dental school for treatment it is likely that relevant information is missing.

Clinical Oral Investigations

If multigenesis is also a mechanism for the formation of multi-site cancer, then a more proactive diagnosis screening should be implemented even if the incidentally found "primary" cancer is in the very early stage.

Biology Direct

Incidentally, If you're interested, the French are a having a go at their own remake.

Independent

Incidentally, if you're not, ask for a refund on your college tuition.

The New Yorker

Incidentally, if you don't need 4K capabilities, the cheaper Fire TV Stick is still available.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if incidentally" to introduce a related but less important point that adds context or nuance to your main statement. This helps maintain focus while acknowledging secondary consequences or conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "if incidentally" to introduce information that is more crucial than the primary statement. The phrase should truly indicate something of secondary importance, not a critical detail that changes the overall meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if incidentally" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb or clause it's attached to. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate how it adds a qualifying condition, presenting an action or outcome as a secondary or less intended consequence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if incidentally" functions as an adverbial phrase used to introduce a secondary or less important aspect of a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It appears most frequently in news and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While grammatically sound, its rare frequency suggests using it judiciously to avoid sounding overly formal or stilted. Alternatives like "if unintentionally" or "if by chance" may offer more common ways to express similar ideas, depending on the specific context. The expert rating validates its usage as appropriate, though mindful consideration of the intended nuance is always recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

If coincidentally

Highlights the unplanned concurrence of events.

If inadvertently

Focuses on the accidental nature of the secondary aspect.

If unintentionally

Emphasis shifts to the lack of intent behind the action or outcome.

If secondarily

Directly indicates the lesser importance of the introduced aspect.

If indirectly

Highlights the lack of a direct causal link.

If by chance

Highlights the coincidental nature of the event.

If as a byproduct

Highlights the outcome being a consequence more than anything.

If unexpectedly

Emphasizes the surprise element associated with the secondary aspect.

If subordinately

Indicates the dependent or secondary status of the action or condition.

If accessorily

Suggests that the item or idea plays a supporting role.

FAQs

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

Use "if incidentally" to introduce a secondary, related point that is not the primary focus of your statement. For example: "The company increased profits, if incidentally, it also improved employee satisfaction."

What phrases are similar to "if incidentally"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "if coincidentally", "if unintentionally", or "if by chance", each slightly altering the emphasis on the secondary nature of the information.

Is it always necessary to use a comma with "if incidentally"?

Yes, "if incidentally" typically requires commas to set it off from the rest of the sentence, indicating a parenthetical element. It is used like this: "The project succeeded, if incidentally, in boosting morale."

How does "if incidentally" differ from "incidentally"?

"Incidentally" can be used on its own to introduce a related but separate point. "If incidentally" creates a conditional relationship, suggesting the secondary point only applies given the main circumstance. For example: "Incidentally, I saw John today" versus "The plan worked, if incidentally, it caused delays elsewhere".