if it does

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if it does" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a condition or situation that may occur, often in hypothetical or conditional statements. Example: "I will proceed with the plan if it does not rain tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If it does this its fixed!

WikiHow

If it does, simply fulfill its request.

WikiHow

And if it does?

The New York Times - Magazine

Because if it does.

The New York Times

Sorry if it does!

The New Yorker

So what if it does?

The Economist

If it does at all.

Independent

And if it does disappear?

The Economist

And if it does not?

The New York Times

"Let's see if it does".

The New Yorker

If it does, hooray.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if it does" to create concise conditional statements, avoiding unnecessary repetition of the original subject. For instance, instead of saying 'If the engine starts, and if the engine runs smoothly,' say 'If the engine starts, and if it does, runs smoothly.'

Common error

Avoid using "if it does" when the antecedent is unclear. Ensure the 'it' clearly refers to a previously mentioned subject or action to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

"If it does" functions as an elliptical construction, substituting a previously mentioned verb or action to avoid repetition. This usage is confirmed by Ludwig and demonstrated across various examples, enhancing conciseness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

31%

News & Media

27%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if it does" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to conditionally affirm a previously stated action or condition. As Ludwig AI indicates, its frequent usage across varied sources, from WikiHow guides to reputable news outlets, attests to its widespread acceptance. While suitable for diverse registers, remember to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity in its application. Leverage this succinct phrase to enhance the conciseness of your writing while maintaining grammatical precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if that happens

This alternative explicitly refers to a potential event or occurrence.

in that case

This alternative provides a shorter, more direct way to express the consequence of a condition being met.

supposing it does

This alternative introduces a hypothetical situation for consideration.

assuming that's the case

This alternative indicates an assumption or supposition about the situation.

in the event that it does

This alternative focuses on a specific possibility or occurrence.

should that occur

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the condition.

provided that it happens

This alternative indicates that something is allowed or will happen only if a certain condition is met.

if the condition is met

This alternative is more explicit and formal, specifying that a requirement must be fulfilled.

on the condition that it does

This alternative highlights the conditional nature of the statement.

contingent on that happening

This alternative emphasizes the dependence of something on the occurrence of a specific event.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "should that occur", "in that event", or "contingent upon that". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "if it does" and "if it is"?

Yes, "if it does" implies an action or verb, whereas "if it is" implies a state or condition. For example, "Check the engine; if it does start, we can proceed" (action) versus "Check the weather; if it is sunny, we can proceed" (state).

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "if it does"?

Ensure the 'it' has a clear referent. Avoid ambiguity by making sure the pronoun clearly links back to the noun or action you're discussing. Also, ensure that the tense is consistent between the 'if' clause and the main clause.

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

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence directly with "if it does" can sometimes sound awkward. Consider rephrasing for clarity or varying sentence structure. For example, instead of "If it does rain, we'll stay inside", try "Should it rain, we'll stay inside".