if it is certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if it is certain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing conditions or situations that are guaranteed or assured. Example: "We will proceed with the project if it is certain that we have the necessary funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

How quickly this would happen, or even if it is certain to happen, is the subject of some legal theorizing.

The New Yorker

"If it is certain that I will not be released and will be arrested, there is nothing to worry about.

The Guardian

If it is certain that a specific event is inside the study area, the summation for the event in Eq. (4) becomes 1.

Earth, Planets and Space

So if it is certain that the massacre of the innocents would be an unbearable spectacle to see, nevertheless Le Brun's painting on this very same subject excites both our compassion and admiration.

SEP

2. Abortion of a malformed foetus before 120 days or prior to ensoulment is permissible if it is certain that the foetus will die following birth or if it has severe incurable disabilities.

BMC Medical Ethics

The authors urge Muslim law makers to also consider abortion post ensoulment if it is certain that the malformed foetus will decease soon after birth or will be severely malformed and physically and mentally incapacitated after birth to avoid substantial hardship that may continue for years for mothers and family members.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The company said last spring that it would supply chemicals for the Lynas project only if it were certain that it would be safe.

The New York Times

If it were, certain cities with greater overall sheer market value would carry more weight.

Forbes

The behind-the-scenes maneuvering would not be necessary if it was certain that either center Anze Kopitar or forward Trevor Lewis — both out with upper-body injuries — were ready to return.

Los Angeles Times

In the 2006 cohort, the earliest ultrasound dating scan was used and, in the absence of any scan, the date of the last menstrual period if it was certain.

British Medical Journal

For patients with screen-detected breast cancer, there is no evidence that these risks are any greater than in the symptomatic population, but for women diagnosed with a breast cancer, that if it were certain would never be symptomatic, there is nevertheless a real, but very small, mortality risk from being screened.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “if it is certain” to introduce a condition that must be fulfilled before a specific action is taken or a conclusion can be drawn.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "if it is certain" repeatedly in informal conversation can sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "if it's sure" or "if we're sure" in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it is certain" primarily functions as a conditional clause introducer. It sets up a condition of certainty that must be met for the main clause to be valid. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

50%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if it is certain" is a grammatically correct and usable conditional phrase that introduces a condition of guaranteed assurance. Ludwig AI indicates that it fits well in formal contexts such as news, media and scientific writing but it may sound somewhat stilted in informal conversations. Consider using simpler alternatives such as "if it's guaranteed" or "if it's assured" in casual settings to maintain a more natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it's guaranteed

Replaces 'certain' with a synonym emphasizing assurance.

if it's assured

Similar to 'guaranteed', but conveys a slightly different nuance of confidence.

provided it is certain

Adds 'provided' for extra emphasis on the condition.

on the condition that it is certain

More formal way of expressing the condition.

assuming it is certain

Suggests a presupposition of certainty.

in the event that it is certain

Formal and emphasizes a possible circumstance.

should it be certain

Inverts the structure for a more formal tone.

given that it is certain

Highlights the certainty as a pre-existing condition.

once it is certain

Focuses on the point in time when certainty is achieved.

presuming it is certain

Similar to assuming, but slightly more tentative.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "if it is certain"?

You can use alternatives like "if it's guaranteed", "if it's assured", or "assuming it is certain" depending on the context.

Is "if it is certain" formal or informal?

"If it is certain" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In casual conversation, consider using a simpler alternative.

What does "if it is certain" imply?

The phrase "if it is certain" implies that a condition must be guaranteed or assured before a specific action or conclusion can be considered valid.

How to use "if it is certain" in a sentence?

You can use it like: "We will proceed "if it is certain" that we have the necessary funding".