if it contains

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if it contains" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the presence of specific elements or components within something, such as text, data, or materials. Example: "Please check the document for any errors if it contains sensitive information."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

monotone if it contains the canonical preimages of all its stepspaces.  .

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

A positive feedback loop can generate bistability if it contains ultrasensitive molecular reactions.

Cell Reports

A graph is hamiltonian if it contains a cycle which goes through all vertices exactly once.

Information Processing Letters

A code C is reduced if it contains the all-zero vector.

Electronic Notes in Discrete Mathematics

Bower's book is utterly in the public interest - even if it contains honest mistakes.

The Guardian - Books

As if it contains an ultimate message, but a secret one, and in code.

The Guardian

If it contains only 100 kg of explosive, the casing must be far denser than steel.

The Guardian

Researchers will look to see if it contains less E. coli than trim from unvaccinated cattle.

The New York Times

A confession proves guilt if it contains details knowable only to a perpetrator.

The New York Times

The F.D.A. deems fish safe if it contains less than one part per million of methylmercury.

The New York Times

If the fluid is bloody, the condition is described as hemothorax; if it contains pus, pyothorax.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider replacing "if it contains" with more sophisticated alternatives such as "provided that it includes" or "on the condition that it features" to enhance the tone of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "if it contains" repeatedly in formal documents. Vary your sentence structure and vocabulary to maintain reader engagement and enhance the perceived sophistication of your writing. Consider using more formal synonyms or rephrasing the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it contains" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a condition that must be met for the main clause to be true. Ludwig demonstrates its usage in diverse scenarios, from scientific definitions to everyday situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if it contains" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a conditional clause, specifying that a condition must be met for a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and very common in various contexts, including science, news, and general writing. While generally neutral in tone, formal contexts may benefit from more sophisticated alternatives. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage, writers can effectively employ "if it contains" to convey conditional relationships in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the event that it includes

Replaces "contains" with "includes" and adds "in the event that" for a more formal conditional.

when it incorporates

Uses "when" to denote a time-based condition and replaces "contains" with "incorporates".

provided that it holds

Replaces "if" with "provided that" and "contains" with "holds", adding a sense of conditionality.

given that it encompasses

Indicates something is already known or assumed, replacing "contains" with encompasses.

should it have

Inverts the structure for emphasis and replaces "contains" with "have".

on the condition that it features

Introduces a strong condition and replaces "contains" with "features".

assuming it encompasses

Replaces "contains" with "encompasses" and "if" with "assuming", indicating an assumption.

as long as it is inclusive of

Implies a duration or ongoing state of containing something, replacing "contains" with "is inclusive of".

in cases where it exhibits

Focuses on specific instances and replaces "contains" with "exhibits".

supposing it is comprised of

Expresses a hypothetical situation and replaces "contains" with "is comprised of".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "if it contains" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, try using phrases like "provided that it includes", "on the condition that it features", or "in the event that it includes" depending on the context.

What's a simpler way to say "if it contains"?

Simpler alternatives include "if it has" or "if it includes", which are more direct and easier to understand in informal contexts.

Is there a difference between "if it contains" and "if it includes"?

While similar, "if it contains" suggests something is a component of a whole, whereas "if it includes" can imply a more general association or listing. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can I use "if it contains" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, you can. For example: "If it contains errors, the document should be revised." However, varying your sentence structure can improve readability.