if obtainable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if obtainable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is conditional upon its availability or accessibility. Example: "Please provide the report, if obtainable, by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

They cannot be obtained surgically or, if obtainable, only with extremely sophisticated craniofacial procedures.

Huffington Post

We realize that some people will think that the concentration of methyl sulfone (200 mM; approximately 2%) used in our studies seems high and that this concentration may not be obtainable in human subjects, and if obtainable this concentration would likely be toxic to patients.

Plosone

In single cell experiments, if obtainable, the response curves would represent individual cell measurements, and a gene that switches will exhibit a steep jump between the steady states.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

If this happens, you can be forced to take the breathalyzer in jail if the police officers can get a warrant, which is easily obtainable if you committed a traffic violation.

WikiHow

I'm not using pheasant hearts in these recipes, but have employed some equally interesting if slightly more obtainable ingredients.

Independent

There is now even less need to worry about selling well-made products foreign ones, if they are obtainable at all, have just become twice as expensive.

The Economist

It was a coveted posting that significantly reduced any risk that he would be sent to Vietnam, and it probably would not have been obtainable if his father had been less prominent.

The New York Times

A limit (or limited) order is an order to buy or sell a stated amount of a security when it reaches a specified price or a better one if it is obtainable after the order comes to the trading floor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He wrote to the effect that he had gotten some potash on the morning after hearing the broadcast and it was the best thing he had ever tried for an acid stomach; that he didn't know what perlmutter was, or if it was obtainable in Guiana; and that he was much obliged to the Natl.

The New Yorker

Thus, extended release profiles may not be obtainable if the drug strongly redistributes in the microspheres.

Journal of Controlled Release

The technology as depicted in the film  —  which had a dark side to be sure —  is far off, if ever fully obtainable.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if obtainable" to clearly state a condition based on the accessibility or availability of something. This avoids ambiguity and makes your requirements clear.

Common error

Avoid assuming something is "obtainable" without verifying its availability or accessibility first. State the conditionality clearly to avoid misunderstandings and unmet expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if obtainable" functions as an adverbial clause introducing a condition. It modifies the main clause by specifying a requirement for something to be considered or done. Ludwig shows that this phrase can be used in various contexts to express conditionality.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if obtainable" is a grammatically sound construction used to express a condition based on the ability to acquire or access something. Ludwig highlights that it appears across diverse sources such as science, news, and general writing. Its frequency is relatively rare, but when used, it serves to clearly indicate a contingency. Be mindful to verify actual obtainability before implying the condition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if available

Emphasizes the presence and readiness of something for use.

provided it is obtainable

Similar to "if obtainable", but with a slightly more formal tone.

if accessible

Focuses on the ease of accessing something rather than just its possibility of being obtained.

if it is procurable

Uses a less common synonym for "obtainable".

assuming it can be obtained

Highlights the assumption that something may or may not be acquired.

where obtainable

Shortened form, suitable for lists or specifications.

should it be possible to obtain

Adds a layer of formality and possibility.

in the event it can be obtained

Suggests a more formal or planned situation.

on the condition that it is obtainable

Emphasizes the conditional aspect strongly.

contingent on its obtainability

Makes the conditionality more explicit and formal.

FAQs

How can I use "if obtainable" in a sentence?

Use "if obtainable" to set a condition based on something's availability, such as "Please submit the report, "if obtainable", by Friday".

What's a formal alternative to "if obtainable"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "provided that it is obtainable" or "contingent on its obtainability". These alternatives add a layer of formality to your writing.

What does "if obtainable" mean?

"If obtainable" means something should be done or considered only if it is possible to acquire or access it. It sets a condition based on availability.

Is it better to use "if available" or "if obtainable"?

While both are similar, "if available" generally refers to something readily accessible, whereas "if obtainable" implies a process of acquisition may be necessary. Choose the term that best fits the context.