if something comes up

USAGE SUMMARY

"if something comes up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to a possibility that may happen in the future. For example: "I'll try to make it to the party, but if something comes up I won't be able to attend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

If they need to vent or if something comes up, I'm here.

The New York Times

If something comes up, you do what you've been doing tonight.

The New Yorker

"I'll fly back in a heartbeat if something comes up," he said.

The New York Times

"If something comes up that looks like a gimmick, you'll know it's spontaneous".

The New York Times

They make the deal in six months and then if something comes up, they see how they can fix it".

The New York Times

As teachers, we are not in a financial position to "hang out" until August and see if something comes up.

The Washington Post

So if something comes up in a meeting, you go back later in the day, try to clear the air.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

If something came up for a week or so, I'd just give up writing for a week".

The New Yorker

"He was a family man, but if something came up in economics, we knew where he would turn.

Stanford University

But if something came up and we were in that position again, it wouldn't bother me.

The Guardian

"We haven't got anything specific but I'm sure if something came up … " Natasha begins, but Jon interrupts.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if something comes up" to introduce a condition or possibility that could affect a plan or decision. It's best used when the specific nature of the 'something' is unknown or unspecified.

Common error

Be mindful of using overly vague pronouns. While "if something comes up" is acceptable, ensure the context clarifies what 'something' refers to, or consider being more specific if possible. For instance, instead of saying "If something comes up, I'll call you", specify "If I have a scheduling conflict, I'll call you."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if something comes up" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a potential circumstance that may affect the outcome of a situation or decision. Ludwig AI confirms this is a commonly used phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if something comes up" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a conditional clause, expressing a potential future event that might alter plans or decisions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. It's versatile enough for neutral settings, as evidenced by its frequent appearance in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies what 'something' refers to for maximum clarity. While alternatives exist for more formal contexts, "if something comes up" remains a practical and easily understood expression in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in case something arises

Emphasizes the potential for something to emerge or occur.

if a problem occurs

Specifically refers to the possibility of a problematic situation developing.

should an issue arise

More formal and emphasizes a hypothetical situation with a potential problem.

if the need arises

Focuses on a necessity or requirement that might develop.

in the event of an issue

Highlights the possibility of a specific event or problem occurring.

if a situation develops

Focuses on the unfolding of a specific set of circumstances.

should circumstances change

Addresses potential alterations in existing conditions.

if something unexpected happens

Highlights the unforeseen nature of a potential event.

contingent upon unforeseen events

More formal, indicating reliance on events that cannot be predicted.

depending on how things go

A more casual way to express reliance on future developments.

FAQs

How can I use "if something comes up" in a sentence?

Use "if something comes up" to indicate a potential, often unexpected, event that might affect a planned action. For example, "I plan to attend the meeting, but "if something comes up", I may need to reschedule."

What's a more formal alternative to "if something comes up"?

In more formal settings, you could use "should an unforeseen event occur" or "in the event of unforeseen circumstances". These alternatives provide a similar meaning but with a more professional tone.

Is it correct to say "if something will come up"?

No, it's generally incorrect to say "if something will come up". The correct phrasing is ""if something comes up"", using the present tense to describe a possible future event.

What's the difference between "if something comes up" and "if something came up"?

"If something comes up" refers to a potential future event, while "if something came up" refers to an event that occurred in the past. For example, "If something comes up, I'll let you know" versus "If something came up, I wasn't aware of it."