if it holds

USAGE SUMMARY

"if it holds" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a condition or qualifier to a statement. Example: "The experiment will be successful if it holds that the procedure is followed precisely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Better things may await this title, if it holds its screens.

The Guardian - Film

After eight minutes, take the beaters out of the meringue and see if it holds its shape.

Independent

If it holds down its currency, foreign-exchange inflows will boost money growth.

The Economist

Reporters who get the information (usually) check its authenticity and, if it holds up, make it public.

The New York Times

"If it holds up.

The New Yorker

The key phrase, everyone agrees, is "if it holds up".

The New York Times - Science

"It's interesting if it holds up," Mr. Cook said.

The New York Times

We have to wait and see if it holds".

The New York Times

It's a good season, even if it holds few surprises.

The Guardian

That measure, if it holds up in court, would flatly contradict Mr Bush's voluntarist approach.

The Economist

I give the dancers the movement and see if it holds up.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "if it holds", ensure the subsequent clause clearly articulates the consequence or result contingent upon the condition being met. This maintains clarity and logical flow.

Common error

Avoid using "if it holds" when the context requires a stronger assertion or a more direct conditional statement. This phrase is best suited for situations involving uncertainty or the passage of time, and its use in other scenarios can diminish the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it holds" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a condition that must be met for the main clause to be true. It qualifies a statement, indicating dependence on a specific circumstance. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, emphasizing its role in setting conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if it holds" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a condition that must be met for a statement to remain valid. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in a variety of contexts including news and media, science, and encyclopedias. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles. When using "if it holds", ensure clarity by explicitly stating the consequence dependent on the condition being met. Alternatives like "if it remains valid" or "provided it continues" can be used to express similar conditional meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it remains valid

Focuses on the ongoing validity rather than the general continuation.

if it stays true

Emphasizes the truthfulness or accuracy of a statement or condition.

provided it continues

Highlights the condition of continuous action or state.

assuming it persists

Stresses the assumption of ongoing existence or effect.

should it endure

Adds a layer of formality and emphasis on the endurance aspect.

if it withstands scrutiny

Specifically targets the ability to pass inspection or critical examination.

if it proves sustainable

Highlights the aspect of long-term viability and stability.

in the event it lasts

Focuses on the potential for continued duration.

on the condition that it survives

Explicitly states the survival of something as a necessary condition.

if it is sustained

Emphasizes the need for support or maintenance for something to continue.

FAQs

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

Use "if it holds" to introduce a condition that needs to be satisfied for a particular statement to remain true or for a specific outcome to occur. For example, "The economic recovery is expected to continue, if it holds that consumer confidence remains high."

What are some alternatives to "if it holds"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "if it remains valid", "provided it continues", or "assuming it persists".

Is it more appropriate to say "if it holds" or "if it held"?

Use "if it holds" for present or future conditions and "if it held" for hypothetical or past conditions. The choice depends on whether the condition is currently in effect or is being considered in a hypothetical sense.

What does it mean when someone says "if it holds up"?

The phrase "if it holds up" is similar to "if it holds" and means that something remains valid, strong, or successful over time or under scrutiny. It's often used when there is uncertainty about the long-term viability of something.