if it comes down

USAGE SUMMARY

"if it comes down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used in conditional sentences to express a possible outcome or consequence. For example: "If it comes down to it, I will have to ask for help." This sentence implies that if a certain situation arises, the speaker will have to ask for help as a result. Other examples: - "If it comes down to choosing between the two options, I would prefer the first one." - "We can try to fix the problem ourselves, but if it comes down to it, we may need to call a professional." - "If it comes down to a tie, we will have to flip a coin to decide the winner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A bigger question that could be asked is whether Black History Month is serving its purpose, if it comes down to only gastronomic tributes. .

Los Angeles Times

But some if it comes down to attitude.

The New York Times

If it comes down too much, this cannot be achieved".

The Guardian

"If it comes down to 'trust me', then the answer is 'no'," says one analyst.

The Economist

"Then again, if it comes down to the last hole, it's not supposed to be easy".

The New York Times

"I'm going home even if it comes down to walking to New Orleans," Mr. Andrews said.

The New York Times

If it comes down to it, we'll have that in our thought process".

The New York Times - Sports

I guess if it comes down to one word, it was the pulse".

The New York Times

And if it comes down to it, these guys will kill you anyway".

The New York Times - Magazine

If it comes down to it, they're not going to refuse Donald Trump.

The New Yorker

"If it comes down to the last two matches, he might be looking the favorite.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "if it comes down" in your writing, avoid vagueness by specifying what the situation might 'come down' to. Make it evident what the decisive factor or ultimate choice is.

Common error

Avoid using "if it comes down" without clearly specifying the condition or outcome. Saying "if it comes down to it" without clarifying what 'it' refers to can confuse the reader and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it comes down" functions as a conditional clause, setting up a scenario where a particular outcome or action becomes necessary. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It introduces a potential contingency that influences a decision or course of action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if it comes down" serves as a conditional clause, introducing a scenario where a specific action or outcome is contingent upon certain circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and frequently used. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register that makes it suitable for general discourse. For more formal settings, alternatives might be preferred. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly specify the condition to avoid vagueness and ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if the need arises

This suggests a condition based on a developing need or requirement.

if the situation requires it

This alternative focuses on the necessity of an action based on the circumstances.

should it be necessary

This option is more formal and emphasizes the potential need for something.

in the event that it is needed

This is a formal and cautious way of expressing a conditional need.

if all else fails

Similar to 'as a last resort', this emphasizes the failure of other options.

as a last resort

This phrase emphasizes that the action is only taken when all other options have been exhausted.

when push comes to shove

This is an informal idiom meaning when a situation becomes critical and decisive action is needed.

if the worst happens

This phrase anticipates a negative outcome that forces a particular action.

at the end of the day

This indicates a final decision or outcome after considering all factors.

when it's all said and done

Similar to "at the end of the day", this implies a final resolution.

FAQs

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

Use "if it comes down" to introduce a conditional situation where a specific action will be necessary. For example, "If it comes down to a tie, we'll have a rematch".

What can I say instead of "if it comes down"?

You can use alternatives like "if the need arises", "should it be necessary", or "as a last resort" depending on the context.

Is "if it comes down to it" grammatically correct?

Yes, "if it comes down to it" is grammatically correct and commonly used. The "it" refers to the situation or decision being discussed.

What's the difference between "if it comes down to" and "when it comes down to"?

"If it comes down to" suggests a hypothetical situation, while "when it comes down to" implies the situation is more likely or inevitable. For example, "If it comes down to money, we can't compete" versus "When it comes down to crunch time, he always delivers".