if not controlled

USAGE SUMMARY

"if not controlled" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in different contexts and is often used to introduce a potential consequence or outcome if something is not managed or regulated properly. For example: 1. "If not controlled, the fire could spread to the neighboring houses." 2. "If not controlled, inflation could have a significant impact on the economy." 3. "The virus will continue to spread if not controlled through proper hygiene and social distancing measures." 4. "If not controlled, his anger could lead to destructive behavior." 5. "If not controlled with medication, her asthma can become life-threatening."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If not controlled properly, they can lead to problematic fermentations.

Journal of Food Engineering

Intracellular Fenton-type chemistry can be lethal if not controlled.

Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry

If not controlled properly, they may collectively result in serious congestion.

Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies

They can cause a considerable loss in yield if not controlled in time.

Cornell University

This means that overheating and blistering can be a problem if not controlled.

The New York Times - Sports

If not controlled, the water released through this process results in direct mass loss and moisture condensation inside packaged FFV.

Biosystems Engineering

When a female lays 400 eggs over the course of 3-4 weeks, populations can explode if not controlled.

Cornell University

History shows that it is a natural tendency and it will literally run riot if not controlled.

The Washington Post

Mr. Snowden's location and movements appear to be coordinated with the Russian government, if not controlled by officials.

The New York Times

This injury, termed "hopper burn," can result in complete loss of a potato crop if not controlled.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gout is an arthritic condition that is characterised by extremely painful, debilitating acute attacks and eventual joint and organ damage if not controlled.

International Journal of Medical Informatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if not controlled" to clearly state the potential negative consequences of inaction or lack of oversight. Be specific about what needs controlling and what the likely outcome will be.

Common error

Avoid using "if not controlled" without specifying the potential negative outcome. A general statement lacks impact; be specific about what could happen.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if not controlled" functions as a conditional clause. It introduces a condition that, if unmet, will lead to a specific consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

32%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if not controlled" is a common and grammatically sound conditional phrase used to highlight potential negative consequences arising from a lack of management or regulation. Ludwig AI confirms this by analyzing various examples across diverse sources. It is prevalent in science, news, and academic writing, lending itself to a neutral or professional tone. Related phrases like "unless managed" or "if unchecked" can provide similar meaning, while being sure to state the method of control for best readability. When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify what needs controlling and the potential ramifications. The expert rating emphasizes the phrase's reliability and widespread acceptance in different communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if unchecked

Highlights the potential for problems to escalate if left unexamined.

unless managed

Emphasizes the necessity of active management to avoid negative consequences.

if allowed to continue

Focuses on the continuation of a current state leading to negative results.

if unrestrained

Suggests a lack of limits or boundaries.

unless kept in check

Indicates the need for constant monitoring and adjustment.

if left unattended

Highlights the need for attention and action.

without regulation

Focuses on the absence of rules or oversight.

without intervention

Emphasizes the need for action to change the current trajectory.

should it go unmonitored

More formal and emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the lack of monitoring.

in the absence of control

Formal and emphasizes the lack of control as a general condition.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "if not controlled" to sound more formal?

Consider using phrases such as "in the absence of regulation", "without proper management", or "should it go unmonitored". These alternatives offer a more professional tone while conveying the same meaning.

What are some common consequences that follow "if not controlled"?

Depending on the context, common consequences include "damage", "increase", "decline", "failure", or "loss". The specific consequence should directly relate to the subject being discussed.

Is it always necessary to state the method of control when using "if not controlled"?

While not always required, specifying the method of control adds clarity and strengthens your argument. For instance, instead of saying "if not controlled, the spread will increase", you might say "if not controlled through vaccination, the spread will increase".

What is the difference between "if not controlled" and "unless managed"?

Both phrases convey a similar meaning, but "unless managed" emphasizes the active process of management, whereas "if not controlled" focuses on the state of being uncontrolled. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the action or the condition.