if it is

USAGE SUMMARY

"if it is" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used as part of a conditional statement, such as: "If it is necessary, I can come in early tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even if it is virtual.

The New Yorker

If it is Racine, O.K.

The New Yorker

"If it is a disease".

The New York Times

Some if it is inexplicable.

The New York Times

And if it is, why?

The Economist

"If it is, let's go.

The New York Times

Especially if it is Madonna.

The New Yorker

So what if it is?

The New Yorker

Even if it is a computer graphic.

The New York Times - Sports

"But what if it is?" he pressed.

Independent

Q asks if it is really possible.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if it is" to introduce a conditional clause that presents a possibility or condition. Ensure the following clause clearly states the outcome or consequence.

Common error

Avoid using "if it was" when "if it were" is grammatically correct in hypothetical or contrary-to-fact situations. For example, use "If it were not for you..." instead of "If it was not for you..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it is" functions primarily as a conditional clause, introducing a scenario or condition that needs to be met for something else to occur. Ludwig shows that this construction is common across various types of writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Academia

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if it is" is a grammatically sound and versatile conditional clause that introduces a possibility or condition for something else to occur. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is widely used across various contexts, from news and media to wikis, and is suitable for both formal and informal communication. Common errors include misusing it in hypothetical scenarios where the subjunctive mood ("if it were") is more appropriate. Understanding these nuances will enhance your writing and ensure clarity in expressing conditional statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the condition that it is

Highlights the importance of a specific condition being fulfilled.

in the event that it is

Replaces the concise "if" with a more formal and extended phrase to express a condition.

in case it is

Indicates preparation for a possible scenario.

provided that it is

Emphasizes that something will happen only if a specific condition is met.

assuming that it is

Specifies that the statement is based on an assumption about a condition.

should it be

Presents a more formal and somewhat inverted way of stating the condition.

given that it is

Acknowledges a known fact or circumstance as the basis for the statement.

supposing it is

Offers a slightly less formal way of introducing a hypothetical situation.

seeing as it is

Informally introduces a reason or explanation for the statement.

when it is

Changes the focus to a specific time or instance when the condition is true.

FAQs

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

Use "if it is" to introduce a condition that must be met for a particular outcome to occur. For example, "If it is raining, we will stay inside".

What are some alternatives to saying "if it is"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "in case it is", "provided that it is", or "assuming that it is", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use "if it is"?

While generally correct, "if it is" might not be suitable in all contexts. For hypothetical or counterfactual situations, the subjunctive mood using "if it were" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "if it is" and "if it was"?

"If it is" refers to a present or future possibility, while "if it was" refers to a past event. For example, "If it is sunny tomorrow, we'll go to the park" (future) vs. "If it was sunny yesterday, I missed it" (past).