if it happens

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'if it happens' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a hypothetical situation - for example, "If it happens that I am unable to attend the meeting, I will make sure to send my apologies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If it happens.

Independent

If it happens, great.

The New York Times

If it happens, that is.

The Economist

So if it happens, it happens".

The New York Times - Sports

If it happens, the Russians will return".

The New York Times

"If it happens, it's just happenstance".

The New Yorker

"If it happens again I'll scream.

The New Yorker

We will see if it happens.

The New York Times

"If it happens, it does," Chandler said.

The New York Times

Terrific if it happens, of course.

The Guardian - Business

"What if it happens again?" I asked.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if it happens", consider the context and choose more formal alternatives like "should it occur" for professional settings.

Common error

Avoid using "if it happens" excessively in formal documents. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives such as "in the event that" or "should it arise" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it happens" functions as a conditional clause introducer, setting up a hypothetical situation and its potential consequences. Ludwig examples show it in news, sports and even literature. It is used to describe events that may or may not occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Opinion

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if it happens" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for introducing hypothetical scenarios, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a conditional clause, expressing possibility and contingency across various registers. Predominantly found in News & Media, it is also common in Academic and Sport contexts. When aiming for formal tone, consider alternatives such as "in the event that". While versatile, overusing it in formal writing should be avoided. Ludwig examples provide further clarity on its applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it should occur

Adds a touch of uncertainty or formality.

if the possibility arises

Focuses on the emergence of a possibility.

if the situation arises

Focuses on the emergence of a specific situation.

should the occasion arise

Similar to "if it should occur" but emphasizes a specific occasion.

in the event that it occurs

More formal and emphasizes a specific occurrence.

in case it materializes

Highlights the potential for something to become real or concrete.

assuming it comes about

Highlights the assumption or expectation of an event.

should it come to pass

More literary and emphasizes a sense of fate or inevitability.

if the opportunity presents itself

Specific to opportunities and their potential realization.

on the off chance that it does

Emphasizes the low probability of the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "if it happens" to introduce a conditional clause, such as, "If it happens that I win the lottery, I will donate a portion to charity."

What are some alternatives to "if it happens"?

You can use alternatives like "in the event that", "should it occur", or "if the situation arises", depending on the context.

Is "if it happens" too informal for professional writing?

While "if it happens" is acceptable in many contexts, more formal options like "in the event that" or "should it arise" might be more appropriate for professional writing.

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

"If it happens" introduces a condition with uncertain outcome, while "when it happens" assumes the event will occur. For example, "If it happens, I will be ready" implies uncertainty, whereas "When it happens, I will be ready" assumes it will occur.