if it is so

USAGE SUMMARY

"if it is so" is a grammatically correct sentence.
It is usually used in the middle of a sentence to indicate uncertainty or disbelief about a particular idea. For example: "I thought you said you weren't going to the party, if it is so why didn't you tell me?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If it is so poorly constructed as to fail in its communication role, then tell me that.

The Guardian

Liberalism could become illiberal if it is so radical.

The Guardian - Tech

But, if it is, so what do I care?

The New Yorker

If it is so natural, then why do pitchers have such problems with their shoulders?

The New York Times - Science

But if it is so expensive, who exactly is wearing it?

The Guardian - Business

Will someone please explain how it became so esteemed if it is so unreadable?

The New York Times

First the mafia isolates you and then, if it is so decided, it can kill you.

The Guardian

That seems unlikely, but if it is so, the problems should be identified.

The New York Times

But if it is so hard to define, how can it be legislated?

The Guardian

If it is, so is spending money on cars or tickets to football matches or tech.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"If it is so urgent, recall parliament next week," she said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if it is so" to concisely acknowledge a prior statement before presenting a consequence or further consideration. This helps maintain a logical flow in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "if it is so" in very simple sentences where a direct conditional statement would be clearer. For instance, instead of "If it is so, then I will go", consider "If that's the case, I will go."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it is so" functions as a conditional clause connector, linking a hypothetical situation described earlier to a subsequent statement or action. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in introducing a consequence or related thought based on a prior condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if it is so" serves as a conditional connector, linking a hypothetical situation to its potential consequences or related considerations. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and frequently used. It functions to acknowledge a preceding statement while introducing a dependent outcome, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for diverse contexts. While versatile, be mindful of potential overuse in simple sentences. Remember to consider semantically similar phrases like "if that's the case" or "assuming that is correct" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if that's the case

This alternative directly states a condition based on a previous statement.

if that is true

This phrase focuses on the truthfulness of a preceding statement as the condition.

assuming that is correct

This option introduces an assumption that the previous statement is accurate.

should that be the situation

This alternative is a more formal way of presenting a hypothetical scenario.

in that event

This phrase condenses the condition into a single adverbial phrase.

if this holds true

It implies a condition depending on the continuous validity of a statement.

if the foregoing is accurate

It suggests a condition based on the accuracy of what has already been mentioned.

granting that to be so

This option implies acceptance of a premise for the sake of argument.

presuming that is the reality

It sets a condition depending on the factuality of a situation.

supposing that to be the situation

It presents a condition by supposing that the situation is what it is said to be.

FAQs

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

You can use "if it is so" to acknowledge a previous statement or condition before stating a consequence or related point. For example, "I heard the meeting is canceled; "if it is so", I will work from home."

What are some alternatives to using "if it is so"?

Alternatives include phrases like "if that's the case", "if that is true", or "assuming that is correct", which can provide a more direct or context-specific way to introduce a conditional statement.

Is "if it is so" formal or informal?

"If it is so" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and overall tone.

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

"If it is so" explicitly refers back to a prior statement, whereas "if so" is a shorter, more concise way to express the same condition. "If it is so" might be preferred when you want to ensure clarity by directly referencing the previous statement.