if that fails

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if that fails" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contingency plan or alternative action in case the initial plan does not succeed. Example: "We will try the new marketing strategy first; if that fails, we will revert to our previous approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And if that fails?

The Economist

If that fails, you have to leave.

The New York Times

If that fails, appeal to Popla.

The Guardian - Money

"If that fails, there's always Option C".

The New York Times

If that fails, talk to the hospital's patient advocate.

The New York Times - Health

If that fails, a messy fight can ensue.

The Economist

If that fails, the image is sent to humans.

The Economist

If that fails, it'll teach us better taste in music.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Change me!" And if that fails there's always lipo.

The New York Times - Style

If that fails, Washington should not sign the final declaration.

The New York Times

And if that fails, drink some more water.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if that fails" to clearly indicate a backup plan or alternative action. It's effective for showing logical progression and preparing for possible outcomes.

Common error

Avoid repeating "if that fails" too often in the same paragraph. Vary your language by using synonyms like "alternatively" or "failing that" to maintain readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if that fails" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a consequence that occurs only when a preceding action or condition is unsuccessful. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in outlining alternative plans or actions based on the failure of an initial attempt.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if that fails" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that introduces a contingency plan or alternative action. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and media sources and carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it logically connects to the previous action and consider synonyms to avoid redundancy. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if that doesn't work

Replaces "fails" with the more informal "doesn't work".

if that is unsuccessful

Uses "unsuccessful" as a direct replacement for "fails".

if that proves unsuccessful

Substitutes "fails" with a more formal and descriptive phrase.

failing that

Provides a brief, formal way to indicate contingency.

should that not succeed

Inverts the sentence structure for a more formal tone.

in the event that it fails

Adds a more explicit and cautious tone.

if all else fails

Emphasizes that this is the final option.

if that is not an option

Suggests the initial plan might be impossible or impractical.

alternatively

Offers a concise alternative to indicate a different course of action.

as a last resort

Implies that all other options have been exhausted.

FAQs

How can I use "if that fails" in a sentence?

Use "if that fails" to introduce an alternative action or plan when the initial one doesn't succeed. For example, "We'll try to negotiate a deal; "if that fails", we'll proceed with litigation."

What are some alternatives to "if that fails"?

You can use phrases like "if that doesn't work", "if that proves unsuccessful", or "failing that" as alternatives to "if that fails".

Is "if that fails" formal or informal?

"If that fails" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though alternatives like "should that not succeed" might be more suitable for highly formal situations.

How does "if that fails" differ from "if all else fails"?

"If that fails" refers to a specific, immediate previous action, while "if all else fails" suggests that all other possible options have been tried and exhausted. The latter implies a last resort scenario.