if it comes about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if it comes about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a condition or possibility regarding an event or situation occurring in the future. Example: "We will proceed with the plan if it comes about that we receive the necessary funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Schäublovici, if it comes about, will scarcely be more loved than Merkozy.Yet for all the squabbling and the farce, there is some progress.

The Economist

"But if it comes about, I hope people won't say, 'We were following their lead.' We want it to be a model for good care, not disparate care".

The New York Times - Magazine

The charge – if it comes about, and there are doubts as to how it will be implemented, and its efficacy as a result – should deter people from using the bags.

The Guardian

"It's an exciting opportunity in Canada if it comes about and I'll jump into it 110% as I do with everything.

BBC

Radioactive contamination is seriously hazardous and if it comes about to an area, it can cause a real disaster not only for the main area but also for the other parts around its district depending on the amount of leaked or released radioactive wastes.

International Journal of Industrial Chemistry

"The moment of death, especially if it comes about in the terrifying form of murder, is deeply traumatic," Heer added. .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"If it came about, I think it would be a wonderful opportunity.

Independent

If it came about, this would be a reversal of practice.

The Economist

"At the end of the day, we are VCs and there's a lot of money tied up in the business but there was never a question or a discussion about anyone taking Hiroki's place other than if it came about at his instigation," he says.

TechCrunch

The document seen by Reuters detailed the potential costs to individual member states of a Greek exit and said that if it came about, an "amiable divorce" should be sought.

Huffington Post

In comments carried by the Interfax news agency, Mr. Lavrov conceded that the idea existed only on paper now, but said Russia would be "keen" to take part if it came about.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if it comes about", ensure the context clearly indicates a future possibility or condition. This phrase is best suited for situations where the outcome is uncertain but potentially significant.

Common error

Avoid using "if it comes about" in very casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "if it happens" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it comes about" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a hypothetical scenario or event. Ludwig examples show its use in expressing possibilities and conditions, as affirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

10%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if it comes about" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce hypothetical situations or conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While it's versatile, it leans towards a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for news, academic, and professional contexts. Simpler alternatives like "if it happens" may be preferable in informal settings. As demonstrated by the examples from Ludwig, the phrase effectively sets up contingencies and expresses uncertainty about future events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it happens

A simpler and more direct way of saying "if it comes about", suitable for informal contexts.

if it transpires

Replaces "comes about" with "transpires", indicating a more formal tone and suggesting that the event becomes known or proven.

if it materializes

Replaces "comes about" with "materializes", focusing on the event becoming real or concrete.

if it comes to pass

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying "if it happens".

if it develops

Focuses on the progression or evolution of the situation.

should it occur

Uses a more formal and slightly less common construction to express a conditional event.

if it unfolds

Suggests a gradual development or revelation of the event.

assuming it occurs

Emphasizes the condition or assumption that the event will take place.

in the event that it arises

A more verbose alternative, emphasizing the potential for the situation to develop.

on the condition that it happens

Highlights the dependence of a subsequent action or outcome on the occurrence of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "if it comes about" in a sentence?

Use "if it comes about" to introduce a hypothetical situation or condition. For example, "We will need more resources "if it comes about" that the project scope increases."

What are some alternatives to "if it comes about"?

Alternatives include "if it happens", "if it transpires", or "should it occur". The best choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

Is "if it comes about" formal or informal?

"If it comes about" leans towards a more formal register but can be used in neutral contexts as well. Simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual settings.

What's the difference between "if it comes about" and "if it happens"?

While both express a conditional event, "if it comes about" carries a slightly more formal tone and implies a sense of development or unfolding, whereas "if it happens" is more direct and neutral.