if really

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if really" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express doubt or to emphasize a condition in a statement. Example: "I wonder if really anyone believes that story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Welcome," he said, as if really delighted to see me.

The Guardian

And if really, speed of light is the fastest speed there is, everything's really far away.

Cornell University

If really, really big names are involved, they can get anything made.

The Guardian - Film

It doesn't matter if really you're an accountant from Basingstoke who lives with his mum.

The Guardian

"If really he thought he had a chance or just being an extreme way to express how much he does not like anymore JSB [Blatter].

Independent

If really given the chance, these nine beguiling Pied Pipers, with their red, red lips, could lead an audience astray, and beyond.

The New York Times - Arts

He cites a half-dozen articles bemoaning the practice, before asking if really, couldn't it be O.K. if we bragged just a little?

The New York Times

"If really my Monica is dead because she stood up for herself, then I'm the proudest father and reverend in the world.

The Guardian

In the ballet's opening section Ms. Kowroski, passed among men, had seemed a bit unsure of her footing, as if really on sand.

The New York Times - Arts

And they constantly review the 60percenttoto decide if really need to do them or can delegate them to others.

Harvard Business Review

She set down the bowl she was washing and stared at me, as if really noticing me for the first time.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if really" to emphasize the sincerity or importance of a condition, particularly when the truth or validity of that condition might be questioned.

Common error

Avoid using "if really" in highly formal writing where more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "if indeed" or "assuming that" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if really" functions as a conditional conjunction, adding emphasis or expressing a degree of skepticism about the condition being presented. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if really" is a grammatically sound conjunction phrase used to add emphasis or express a degree of skepticism regarding a condition. Ludwig AI identifies it as correct and usable. While versatile, it's most commonly found in news, media and scientific contexts. When writing, remember that while usable in many contexts, more formal options may be preferred in certain situations. Related phrases such as "if truly" or "if indeed" can add subtle nuances to your writing, providing alternatives that might better suit the intended tone. Be mindful of the register, especially in formal or academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if truly

Emphasizes the truthfulness of the condition, similar to "if really" but slightly more formal.

if indeed

Indicates a confirmation or acknowledgment of the condition, offering a more formal tone.

if actually

Highlights the reality of the condition, adding a sense of surprise or confirmation.

if genuinely

Stresses the authenticity of the condition, emphasizing sincerity or honesty.

assuming that

Introduces a condition as a presupposition, shifting the focus to the assumption being made.

provided that

Specifies a condition that must be met, offering a more formal and legalistic tone.

in the event that

Highlights the possibility of a condition occurring, often used in formal or technical contexts.

in case

Indicates a precautionary measure, suggesting preparation for a possible condition.

should it be the case that

Introduces a hypothetical condition with a formal and somewhat tentative tone.

supposing that

Poses a condition as a hypothesis, inviting consideration of its implications.

FAQs

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

You can use "if really" to emphasize a condition or express doubt. For example, "I wonder "if really" anyone believes that story".

What are some alternatives to using "if really"?

Alternatives include "if truly", "if indeed", or "if actually", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "if really" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "if really" might sound less formal than alternatives like "provided that" or "in the event that", so consider your audience and purpose.

What's the difference between "if really" and "if truly"?

Both phrases emphasize the condition, but "if truly" often carries a stronger sense of sincerity or deeper truth than "if really".