if there is an overlap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if there is an overlap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where two or more elements, such as ideas, schedules, or data sets, may coincide or share common aspects. Example: "We need to review the project timelines to see if there is an overlap that could affect our deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But can I also do it if there is an overlap?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If there is an overlap students must receive permission from the instructor of the course (s) which will be affected to register in the overlapping course.

Columbia University

If there is an overlap between Cohn and Giuliani, other than their service to Trump, it is that each, in his own way, has discredited his profession, demeaned our democratic process, and damaged the lives of many people.

The New Yorker

Tottenham, who need to play a season away from White Hart Lane, probably 2017-18, have spoken to the FA too, but if there is an overlap Chelsea are a more attractive option as their deal will be for two seasons longer.

Independent

Samsung wanted the document included to see if there is an overlap in patents included in its case against Apple and in the Apple-HTC agreement.

TechCrunch

If there is an overlap between the populations in A and Z, then A is ranked as better than Z since the people existing in both populations are worse off in Z as compared to A and since we should disregard the welfare of uniquely realisable people.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Our results show that the failure of polycrystalline graphene becomes notch-sensitive if there is an overlapping of stress concentration zones induced by the notch and grain boundaries (GBs); otherwise, the failure becomes notch-insensitive.

Carbon

If there's an overlap between burlesque and rockabilly, Dubliner Imelda May Clabby embodies it.

The Guardian - Music

If there's an overlap, it's what happens when writers are friends and talk to one another".

The New York Times

And if there's an overlap between the two, the shares will get traded.

Science Magazine

As our antibodies against Ngn2 and NeuroD1 were made in the same species, we could not determine if there was an overlap between these two proteins.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if there is an overlap", ensure the context clearly defines what is being compared and what the consequences of the overlap are. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vague statements by specifying which aspects are overlapping. Instead of simply saying "if there is an overlap", clarify what is overlapping (e.g. "if there is an overlap in project timelines").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if there is an overlap" functions as a conditional conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause that specifies a condition. This phrase sets up a scenario that needs to be considered or acted upon. As seen in the Ludwig AI examples, it is used to introduce a condition that triggers a specific action or consideration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

33%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if there is an overlap" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that introduces a conditional statement based on shared elements or timeframes. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase functions as a conjunction, setting up a scenario that requires action or consideration. It's versatile across contexts, particularly in science, news, and academic writing. To ensure clarity, always specify what is overlapping. Consider alternatives like "if there's a convergence" or "in case of intersection" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if there's a convergence

Replaces "overlap" with "convergence", emphasizing the coming together of elements.

in case of intersection

Uses a more formal term, "intersection", suitable for technical or mathematical contexts.

should a commonality exist

Employs a more formal and hypothetical tone, focusing on the existence of something in common.

given a shared aspect

Highlights the condition where aspects are shared between two or more things.

assuming elements coincide

Focuses on the coincidence of elements, implying they occur at the same time or place.

on the condition of concurrence

Presents a more formal and less common way to express a conditional agreement or occurrence.

if the sets intersect

Uses mathematical terminology, appropriate when referring to sets and their intersections.

in situations of shared features

Highlights shared characteristics or traits that may exist between entities.

where elements are duplicated

Emphasizes the duplication or repetition of elements across different contexts.

provided there is a collision

Suggests a clash or conflict where items meet, suitable for scenarios with negative connotations.

FAQs

How can I use "if there is an overlap" in a sentence?

Use "if there is an overlap" to introduce a conditional situation where two or more things share common elements or timeframes. For example, "If there is an overlap in our schedules, we can combine the meetings".

What are some alternatives to "if there is an overlap"?

You can use alternatives like "if there's a convergence", "in case of intersection", or "should a commonality exist" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "if there is an overlap" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when you need to clearly state a condition based on common elements or shared aspects. Ensure the context is well-defined and the consequences of the overlap are specified.

What's the difference between "if there is an overlap" and "if there is a conflict"?

"If there is an overlap" implies a shared element or timeframe, while "if there is a conflict" suggests a disagreement or incompatibility. The former is neutral, while the latter carries a negative connotation.