if that works

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "if that works" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a conditional phrase that expresses a situation or action that depends on a condition being fulfilled. Example: "If that works, we can move on to the next step of the project." This sentence implies that the success of the previous step is necessary for the next step to be done.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But only if that works for you.

The New Yorker

And if that works out?

The New York Times

"If that works for them, fine".

The New York Times

Not sure if that works so well in written form.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I've just bought an iPod so I'm going to see if that works on it.

The Guardian - Tech

“They will benefit tremendously if that works out,” Manger concludes.

Forbes

And if that works for you, more power to you.

Huffington Post

Give Mom the day if that works for your family.

Huffington Post

"If that works for everyone else, that works for me".

Huffington Post

If that works stop here.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We'll see if that works out".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if that works" to introduce a condition upon which a subsequent action or decision depends. It clearly establishes a cause-and-effect relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "if that works" when the 'that' lacks a clear reference. Always ensure the 'that' refers to a specific, easily identifiable action or plan to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if that works" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a condition that must be met for the main clause to be true. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is commonly and correctly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if that works" serves as a conditional clause, indicating that a particular outcome or action is contingent on the success or effectiveness of something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It’s a versatile phrase, appearing frequently across various contexts such as news, wikis, and academic writing. The analysis reveals that while "if that works" is grammatically sound and widely accepted, clarity is key. Make sure the 'that' has a clear and identifiable antecedent to prevent confusion. Remember, while several alternatives exist—such as "if that is effective" or "assuming that is effective"—the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if that is effective

Replaces "works" with a synonym focusing on the effectiveness of the action.

if that is successful

Substitutes "works" with a synonym that emphasizes a positive outcome.

assuming that is effective

Introduces a conditional assumption about the effectiveness.

provided that is effective

Emphasizes the condition that the action needs to be effective.

if that proves feasible

Focuses on the feasibility aspect of the action or plan.

should that be effective

Uses a more formal tone with "should" to express the condition.

contingent on that working

Highlights the contingency on the action being successful.

depending on its success

Shortens the phrase, focusing on the dependence on the success.

in the event that it works

Adds a sense of possibility and eventuality to the condition.

assuming it pans out

Uses a more informal idiom to express the condition of success.

FAQs

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

You can use "if that works" to introduce a condition that needs to be met for a subsequent action to occur. For example, "If that works, we'll move on to the next phase."

What can I say instead of "if that works"?

You can use alternatives like "if that is effective", "assuming that is effective", or "provided that is effective" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "if that will work" instead of "if that works"?

While "if that will work" isn't incorrect, "if that works" is generally more concise and commonly used, especially in scenarios requiring a quick decision or assessment. Consider the context; both are grammatically valid but convey slightly different nuances regarding certainty.

How does the formality of "if that works" compare to its alternatives?

The phrase "if that works" is generally considered neutral in formality. Alternatives like "should that be effective" are more formal, while phrases like "assuming it pans out" are more informal.