if intended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if intended" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify that something is conditional upon the intention behind an action or statement. Example: "Please let me know if intended, as I want to ensure I understand your message correctly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

This would be funny if intended ironically.

The New York Times - Style

Still, the films can feel academic at times, as if intended as much for classrooms as for living rooms.

The New York Times - Arts

If intended saving exceeds intended investment, unemployment may result; and if investment exceeds saving, inflation may occur.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If intended as a political allegory about whites and indigenous peoples of New Zealand, the film is simply impenetrable.

The New York Times

If intended, the allusion was apt: Disney Hall as a vessel from another world, landing at the corner of First and Grand.

The New Yorker

His surfaces, once so meticulously controlled, were now unpredictable, crusty here, paint-free there, as if intended for touch rather than sight.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Hence the results should be treated cautiously if intending to apply them to any specific group of telephone users.

BMC Health Services Research

He did not know if Snowden intended to do so.

The Guardian

I asked if he intended to keep his trophy.

The New Yorker

I don't know if Mr. Adams intended that association, but it has a funereal vibe.

The New York Times - Arts

But Manager Terry Collins would not say if he intended to use Beltran as the cleanup hitter.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if intended" to clarify the conditionality of an action or statement, ensuring clarity and avoiding misinterpretations. For example: "The change will only be implemented, "if intended", as a temporary measure."

Common error

Avoid using "if intended" when the intention is already clear from the context. Overusing it can make your writing sound redundant and less impactful. Only use the phrase to eliminate ambiguity and to make it clear that an action or outcome is conditional on purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if intended" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express a condition or contingency. It indicates that a certain action, result, or characteristic is dependent on whether it was part of the original plan or purpose. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Unknown

16%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if intended" is a grammatically correct and commonly used conditional phrase that adds clarity to statements by specifying that an action or outcome is dependent on a specific intention. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various reliable sources. While versatile, it should be used judiciously to avoid redundancy. Alternatives like "assuming it was meant" or "provided it was designed" can add variety, while remembering the context in which it is used. Its neutral register and frequent presence in news, science, and formal writing make it a reliable choice for expressing conditionality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if that was the aim

Replaces "intended" with "aim", focusing on the purpose or goal.

assuming it was meant

Uses "meant" instead of "intended", emphasizing the underlying meaning or purpose.

provided it was designed

Focuses on the design aspect, suggesting a pre-planned intention.

should it be purposed

Formal alternative, using "purposed" to highlight a specific aim or reason.

if that's the plan

Emphasizes the planning aspect behind the action or statement.

in the event it's deliberate

Highlights the deliberateness of the action in question.

on the understanding it's purposeful

Adds an element of agreement or condition based on the action's purpose.

contingent on the objective

Highlights the dependency of something on a particular objective.

depending on the goal

Shows that the outcome is conditional on the defined goal.

subject to its purpose

Highlights subordination to a clearly defined purpose or intention.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "if intended" for variety?

You can use phrases like "assuming it was meant", "provided it was designed", or "if that was the aim" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "if intended" formal or informal language?

"If intended" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase. The appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

Can "if intended" be replaced with a single word?

While it's hard to capture the exact nuance with a single word, you might use "deliberately" or "purposely" in certain contexts. For example, instead of "the action, if intended, will proceed", you could say "the action, if deliberate, will proceed."

What is the difference between "if intended" and "as intended"?

"If intended" suggests a conditionality – the action will only occur if it was the intention. "As intended" implies that the action is being carried out according to the original intention. The former sets a condition, the latter confirms adherence to a plan.