if it causes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if it causes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the potential effects or consequences of an action or situation. Example: "We need to evaluate the new policy and determine if it causes any negative impacts on employee morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Railtrack pays its customers if it causes too much delay to their trains (see article).

The Economist

But the punishment is abusive if it causes injury.

The Guardian - Sport

Not, however, if it causes a political smash-up.

The Economist

"If it causes them to have more buses to do it, so be it".

The New York Times

The smugglers' success may prove their downfall if it causes world governments to cooperate more.

The Guardian

"We'll never expand just to boost sales if it causes environmental harm".

The Guardian

The strategy could, however, help the government if it causes fractures in the opposition.

The New York Times

If it causes pain, it's funny; if it doesn't, it isn't".

The New Yorker

Credit restraint will not help if it causes nominal GDP to slow disproportionately.

The Economist

Why is our friendship with you worth it if it causes a rift between the U.S. and Russia?

The New York Times - Magazine

Also, we need to take a look at the new Sec. 4 to see if it causes any problems.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if it causes", ensure the sentence clearly states both the condition and the resulting effect. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using plural forms of "cause" with the singular "it". Ensure the verb agrees with the singular subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it causes" functions as a conditional connector, introducing a subordinate clause that specifies a potential outcome or consequence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its widespread use across various contexts to express potential effects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if it causes" is a very common and grammatically correct conditional connector used to express potential outcomes or consequences. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage spans various registers, from news articles and scientific papers to informal wikis. When writing, ensure that the condition and its result are clearly articulated for maximum clarity. Consider alternatives like "if it results in" or "in the event that it leads to" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the event that it leads to

Replaces "causes" with "leads to" for a slightly different emphasis on the resulting action.

if it results in

Uses "results in" instead of "causes", focusing on the consequence of the initial action.

should it bring about

More formal and emphasizes the act of bringing something into existence.

assuming it produces

Highlights the production of a specific outcome.

provided that it generates

Similar to 'produces', emphasizing the creation or generation of an effect.

on the condition that it triggers

Focuses on the triggering or initiation of an event.

in cases where it sparks

Emphasizes a sudden or forceful beginning.

when it precipitates

More formal; implies a hastening or bringing about of an event.

given that it elicits

Focuses on drawing out or evoking a response or reaction.

supposing it engenders

Emphasizes the creation or production of a feeling or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "if it causes" in a sentence?

The phrase "if it causes" is used to express a conditional relationship between an action or event and its consequence. For example, "Avoid sexual intercourse "if it causes pain"."

What are some alternatives to "if it causes"?

Alternatives include phrases like "if it results in", "in the event that it leads to", or "should it bring about", depending on the specific context.

Is there a more formal way to say "if it causes"?

Yes, more formal options include "on the condition that it triggers" or "given that it elicits", which are suitable for academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "if it causes" and "because it causes"?

"If it causes" introduces a conditional statement, while "because it causes" provides a direct reason or explanation. "If it causes" presents a potential outcome, whereas "because it causes" states a definite cause-and-effect relationship.