if it occurs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if it occurs" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it to describe an eventuality, for example, "We will need to take action if it occurs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If it occurs, antibiotics are (still) available to treat it.

The Guardian

"If it occurs in the U.S., it's ours.

The New York Times

The unexpected, if it occurs, occurs on the fringe.

The Guardian

"It's going to be a long hard turnaround, if it occurs".

The New York Times

A collapse of the eurozone, if it occurs, could certainly serve to accelerate this process.

The Guardian - Opinion

Neither, he claims, would sledging from his opponents, if it occurs.

The Guardian - Sport

However, if it occurs only upon overexpression, it is dependent on histone variant incorporation (Fig. 3a).

Nature

If it occurs in their own backyards, however, they might never catch up with the virus.

The New York Times

"We will respond to that circumstance if it occurs," his spokesman, Brian Coy, said.

The Washington Post

Paul market this weekend to help offset the impact of a strike if it occurs.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

How do you prevent cheating, and what do you do if it occurs?

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if it occurs" to clearly state a condition that must be met for a particular outcome to follow. This phrase is useful in both formal and informal contexts to introduce potential scenarios and their consequences.

Common error

Avoid excessive passive voice constructions when using "if it occurs". While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound convoluted. Instead, aim for active voice where possible to enhance clarity and directness. For example, instead of saying "Action will be taken if a problem occurs", try "We will take action if a problem occurs."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it occurs" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a condition that, if met, leads to a certain outcome or consequence. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse contexts illustrating its role in setting up hypothetical scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if it occurs" is a versatile conditional phrase suitable for various contexts, from news reports to scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples showcasing its usage. While it maintains a neutral register, alternatives exist for more formal or informal settings. Remember to use this phrase to clearly outline conditions and potential consequences, and be mindful of avoiding overuse of passive voice for enhanced clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should it happen

Emphasizes a more formal and less direct way of expressing a hypothetical event.

in the event that it happens

Introduces a more formal and cautious tone, suitable for official or legal contexts.

if it comes about

Suggests a process or development leading to an event, implying a gradual unfolding.

assuming it takes place

Highlights the assumption that the event will actually happen, adding a layer of uncertainty.

if it materializes

Implies that the event is currently only a possibility and may not become reality.

contingent on its occurrence

Focuses on the dependence of something else on the event happening.

were it to arise

Uses a more literary and hypothetical construction, suitable for formal writing.

on the off chance it does

Suggests a very low probability of the event happening, adding a sense of skepticism.

in the circumstance that it does

Provides a nuanced way to emphasize specific situation and the event happening in that context.

should the situation present itself

Implies readiness and preparedness for a specific situation that might arise.

FAQs

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

You can use "if it occurs" to introduce a conditional clause, indicating something that might happen. For example, "We will need to address the issue "if it occurs"".

What phrases are similar to "if it occurs"?

Alternatives include "should it happen", "in the event that it happens", or "assuming it takes place", each carrying a slightly different nuance in formality or certainty.

Is "if it occurs" formal or informal?

"If it occurs" is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "were it to arise" may be preferred in highly formal settings.

What is the difference between "if it occurs" and "if it happens"?

While both are similar, "if it occurs" tends to be slightly more formal than "if it happens". The choice depends on the tone and context of your writing or speech.