if it relies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if it relies" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a condition that depends on reliance or dependence on something else. Example: "The success of the project is uncertain if it relies solely on external funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Now "a case is very weak if it relies only on witnesses," says Mr García, whose forensic scientists routinely give evidence.

The Economist

Can a worthwhile national curriculum drama programme of study be put in place if it relies on external providers to teach it?

The Guardian

A sales network becomes a pyramid, or Ponzi scheme, if it relies solely on attracting new victims, whose investment is used to pay off earlier investors.

The New York Times

Germany, by contrast, will need to tighten by an average of only 0.5% of GDP for three years.A repair job on public finances stands a better chance of being durable if it relies on spending cuts rather than tax increases.

The Economist

Dr. Hans Wigzell, a former rector of the Karolinska Institute, has told me that even such a monumental success does not qualify as a discovery if it relies on an old technique.

The New York Times - Health

However, the idea that £22bn of savings will be achieved by 2021 (a 3% year-on-year saving) is not credible if it relies on local initiatives to do so.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The brand would have a difficult time remaining profitable if it relied only on its loyal but tiny cadre of customers.

The New York Times

But when he announced Childs' hiring in 2012, Cuno said that the Getty couldn't continue to thrive if it relied only on its investments.

Los Angeles Times

If it relied on "scientific research", he would make sure the scientists were Bulgarian.

The Economist

His book would also be more convincing if it relied a little less exclusively on sources produced by a single publisher, the Ludwig von Mises Institute.

The New York Times

In fact, forensic experts said it would be easy for Clemens to attack the credibility of the evidence if it relied on traces of his DNA.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if it relies", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For clarity, specify the entity or concept doing the relying and the specific element it is dependent on.

Common error

Avoid using "if it relies" in contexts where the dependence is weak or indirect. Overusing it can weaken your argument. Make sure the reliance is critical and central to the point you are making.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it relies" introduces a conditional clause, setting up a scenario where the outcome is dependent on a specific element or condition. Ludwig AI shows that it's often used to express dependence in various contexts, such as whether a plan can achieve a goal or the validity of a claim.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if it relies" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce conditional clauses that express dependence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal communications. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject doing the relying and the element it depends on are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. While suitable for formal writing, consider synonyms like "if it depends on" or "if it is contingent upon" for nuanced expression. Be cautious of overgeneralization and ensure that the reliance is a central aspect of your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it is dependent on

Substitutes "relies" with "dependent", highlighting reliance.

if it hinges on

Changes the verb to emphasize the idea of something being dependent on a critical point.

if it is contingent upon

Replaces "relies" with a more formal expression suggesting conditionality.

should it depend on

Inverts the sentence structure for emphasis on the condition.

provided it counts on

Expresses a conditional relationship with a sense of expectation.

assuming it banks on

Implies reliance with an added sense of risk or speculation.

in the event it trusts in

Uses a more complex and less direct phrasing to express reliance.

on the condition it leans on

Emphasizes that reliance is a prerequisite for a certain outcome.

if its foundation is

Focuses on the base or support that the subject relies on.

when it is underpinned by

Highlights the supporting structure beneath the subject.

FAQs

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

Use "if it relies" to introduce a condition where something's success or validity depends on something else. For instance, "The plan might fail "if it relies on" outdated data."

What are some alternatives to "if it relies"?

Alternatives include "if it depends on", "if it hinges on", or "if it is contingent upon depending on" the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "if it relies on" or "if it depends on"?

Both "if it relies on" and "if it depends on" are correct. "Relies" emphasizes trust or dependence, while "depends" is more general. Choose based on the specific context and desired nuance.

Can "if it relies" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "if it relies" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure the sentence structure is clear and precise to maintain a professional tone. More formal synonyms might be preferable in some contexts.