if that happens

USAGE SUMMARY

"if that happens" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are speaking conditional contexts such as what-ifs, speculating about hypothetical scenarios, or making predictions. Example: If that happens, we'll have to rethink our plan.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

What if that happens?

The New York Times - Sports

We'll see if that happens".

The New York Times

If that happens, that happens.

The New York Times

If that happens, expect much more upheaval.

The Economist

If that happens, competitiveness could be restored.

The New York Times

If that happens, it would be great.

The New York Times

If that happens again, Nadal may pounce.

The New York Times

If that happens, most Turks will cheer.

The Economist

"So if that happens please warn me".

Independent

I'll be happy if that happens.

The New York Times

"If that happens, Sistema will suffer.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if that happens" to clearly establish a cause-and-effect relationship in your writing. It's particularly effective when you want to discuss potential outcomes or consequences based on a specific condition.

Common error

Avoid substituting "when that happens" for "if that happens" when you're discussing a hypothetical situation rather than a guaranteed event. "When" implies certainty, while "if" indicates uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if that happens" functions as an adverbial clause of condition. It introduces a condition that, if met, will lead to a particular result. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in conditional statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if that happens" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a conditional clause, exploring potential outcomes and their ramifications. It's considered grammatically correct and very common, according to Ludwig AI, particularly within news and media contexts. When writing, remember that using "if" indicates uncertainty, while using "when" implies certainty about the event's occurrence. Alternatives such as "should that occur" or "in that event" can add nuance and formality, as needed. The phrase's widespread use across credible sources underscores its reliability and appropriateness in many writing situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should that occur

Replaces "happens" with a more formal "occur", suitable for professional contexts.

were that to happen

Employs a more formal and hypothetical tone, suitable for sophisticated discussions.

if that comes to pass

Uses a more literary or formal idiom to describe the event occurring.

suppose that occurs

Implies a hypothetical situation being considered.

assuming that comes about

Suggests a presupposition or assumption about a potential event.

in that event

Shortens the conditional clause, emphasizing the consequence rather than the condition.

if it turns out that way

Focuses on the unfolding of events leading to a specific outcome.

if such a thing occurs

Adds emphasis to the hypothetical nature of the event.

on the off chance that happens

Highlights the low probability of the event occurring.

if it should be the case

Introduces a higher degree of uncertainty regarding the event's probability.

FAQs

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

Use "if that happens" to introduce a potential outcome or consequence. For example, "If that happens, we will need to adjust our strategy".

What are some alternatives to "if that happens"?

You can use alternatives such as "should that occur", "in that event", or "were that to happen", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "when that happens" instead of "if that happens"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, they convey different meanings. "If that happens" implies uncertainty, while "when that happens" suggests a higher degree of certainty that the event will occur.

What's the difference between "if that happens" and "if that happened"?

"If that happens" refers to a potential future event, while "if that happened" refers to a hypothetical past event. The former discusses possibilities, while the latter discusses unrealized conditions.