if nothing goes wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

"if nothing goes wrong" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when anticipating that things will go smoothly or when expressing hope for a successful outcome. For example, "We have a lot to do this weekend, but if nothing goes wrong we should be able to finish everything in time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"And that's if nothing goes wrong".

The New York Times

If nothing goes wrong, there's no story.

The New Yorker

If nothing goes wrong, you won't".

The New York Times

His coffin-sized room costs less than $20 a night and the trip nets him $400-1,300 400-1,300ng goes wrong.

The Economist

"If nothing goes wrong between now and the game I will be 100percentnt fit," he told Sky Sports Radio's Big Sports Breakfast.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, she estimates that each one costs $5 a day to feed and an additional $6 a day for the four months when they need to be inside — or about $58,000 if nothing goes wrong.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"If nothing went wrong, it would boring".

The New York Times - Sports

If nothing went wrong ever, it wouldn't be so challenging".

The Guardian - Travel

Mr. Marano said he liked to go to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Élégance each year but it cost him at least $12,000 to send one of his cars to the show — and that was if nothing went wrong.

The New York Times

Mr. Marano said he liked to go to the Pebble Beach Concours d'??nce each year but it cost him at least $12,000 to send one of his cars to the show -- and that was if nothing went wrong.

The New York Times

Smartest move Personal anecdote about his father arranging an informal payment plan with the doctor that delivered him: "no paperwork... just two guys in a hospital, shaking hands", which is an awesome system for dealing with health care if absolutely nothing goes wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if nothing goes wrong" to set a conditional expectation for a positive outcome, especially when outlining plans or making predictions.

Common error

Avoid using "if nothing goes wrong" excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "assuming all goes well" or "barring unforeseen circumstances" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if nothing goes wrong" functions as a conditional clause, setting a condition for a desired outcome. It introduces a scenario where a specific result is anticipated, assuming no unexpected problems arise, as exemplified in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if nothing goes wrong" is a versatile phrase used to express conditional optimism across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While very common in news and media, science, and general discourse, remember to consider formality when choosing alternatives for professional or academic writing. When using the phrase, be mindful of potential overuse and vary your language with synonyms such as "barring unforeseen circumstances" or "assuming all goes well".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assuming all goes well

Emphasizes the assumption of a positive outcome without complications.

barring unforeseen circumstances

Highlights the potential for unexpected events to disrupt progress.

if everything proceeds as planned

Focuses on adherence to a pre-established plan for success.

provided there are no complications

Explicitly states the absence of difficulties as a condition.

so long as things run smoothly

Stresses the importance of uninterrupted progress for a favorable result.

if all goes according to plan

Similar to 'if everything proceeds as planned', but slightly more informal.

without a hitch

Highlights the seamlessness and lack of obstacles in the process.

touch wood

Expresses a wish for continued good fortune, warding off potential problems.

all things being equal

Indicates a comparison assuming no unexpected variables.

knock on wood

Expresses hope that nothing will go wrong, often said while tapping on wood.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "if nothing goes wrong" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "provided there are no complications" or "barring unforeseen circumstances". These alternatives, like "assuming all goes well", add a layer of professionalism to your writing.

What does "if nothing goes wrong" imply in a sentence?

The phrase "if nothing goes wrong" implies a conditional statement where a positive outcome is expected, contingent upon the absence of any problems or unexpected events. It's similar to saying "if everything proceeds as planned".

Is it better to use "if nothing goes wrong" or "if everything goes right"?

While both phrases express a similar idea, "if nothing goes wrong" focuses on preventing negative occurrences, whereas "if everything goes right" emphasizes positive actions. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight potential problems or desired successes. A close alternative is "so long as things run smoothly".

What are some alternatives to "if nothing goes wrong" for casual conversation?

In casual settings, you can use phrases like "assuming all's well", "if all goes according to plan", or even just "hopefully". For example "without a hitch".