if it shows

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if it shows" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the visibility or indication of something, often in a conditional context. Example: "I will proceed with the project if it shows potential for success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be willing to back off and return it to its mother if it shows resistance.

WikiHow

If it shows a bit of patience, inflation will come down of its own accord.

The Guardian - Business

Otherwise, if it shows weakness, we will suffer more.

The New York Times

If it shows up, it will corroborate him.

The Guardian

If it shows signs of drying out, add some water.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If it shows anything in microcosm, it's that the Tea Party learned from the Southern Strategy.

The New York Times

If it shows that he did abuse his office, he should resign.

The New York Times

If it shows a bit of murky background, turn it to a higher number.

The New York Times

We don't know if it shows animosity, or it was just something to do".

The New York Times

"But the cover can be a problem, especially if it shows naked female skin.

The Guardian

If it shows cancer, the pathologist sends the biopsy cells to Strand.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if it shows", ensure the subject it refers to is clear and unambiguous to avoid confusion. For example, "If the data shows a trend, we should investigate further."

Common error

Avoid adding "that" after "shows" when it's not necessary. "If it shows that..." can often be simplified to "If it shows..." for conciseness. The addition of "that" isn't grammatically wrong, it just may make the writing more wordy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it shows" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a condition that must be met for the main clause to be true. It indicates that the outcome or action described in the main clause depends on whether something becomes apparent or visible. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

24%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if it shows" is a common and grammatically sound conditional phrase used to indicate that a particular outcome depends on the visibility or indication of something. Ludwig's analysis, backed by numerous real-world examples, reveals its versatility across diverse contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific literature. While versatile, clarity is key in its use. Keep in mind that alternatives like "provided that it exhibits" or "assuming it demonstrates" can offer more formal or specific connotations depending on your intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the event that it reveals

Replaces "shows" with "reveals", emphasizing the act of uncovering something.

assuming it demonstrates

Substitutes "if" with "assuming" and "shows" with "demonstrates", focusing on proof or evidence.

provided that it exhibits

Replaces "if" with "provided that" and "shows" with "exhibits", indicating a condition based on displayed qualities.

should it present

Uses a more formal tone, replacing "if" with "should" and "shows" with "present", suggesting a hypothetical scenario.

on the condition that it indicates

Replaces "if" with "on the condition that" and "shows" with "indicates", emphasizing a specific requirement.

in cases where it displays

Replaces "if" with "in cases where" and "shows" with "displays", focusing on visual representation.

given that it reflects

Substitutes "if" with "given that" and "shows" with "reflects", implying a mirroring or representation of something else.

supposing it manifests

Replaces "if" with "supposing" and "shows" with "manifests", suggesting a clear and obvious appearance.

as long as it suggests

Replaces "if" with "as long as" and "shows" with "suggests", implying a hint or implication.

considering it uncovers

Replaces "shows" with "uncovers" and adding considering, this phrase suggests revealing a previously hidden fact.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "if it shows" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "provided that it exhibits", "should it present", or "on the condition that it indicates depending on the context.

What are some alternatives to "if it shows" for indicating a condition?

You can use alternatives such as "assuming it demonstrates", "given that it reflects", or "as long as it suggests" to introduce a condition based on what something reveals.

Is there a difference between "if it shows" and "if it indicates"?

While similar, "if it shows" typically refers to visual evidence or clear demonstration. "If it indicates", however, implies a sign or suggestion that might require further interpretation. Use "if it indicates" when the evidence is less direct.

When is it appropriate to use "if it shows" in a sentence?

Use "if it shows" when you want to express a conditional statement based on visible or apparent evidence. For example, "If the test shows a positive result, further action is needed."