if there is stuff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if there is stuff" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in informal contexts to refer to unspecified items or materials that may or may not exist. Example: "We can proceed with the project if there is stuff available to work with."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Even a clean room will feel "wrong" if there is stuff all over.

WikiHow

If you are trying to hack a library computer, press F1 to open a new page, then press F2 and a bar should appear, if there is stuff in it, backspace it then type a website.

WikiHow

When your room is tiny, if there is stuff all over the meagre floor space it will look even smaller and not very nice Open the windows, this will make it look lighter and bigger Put a large mirror on the wall.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

If there was stuff in the air, I wanted to receive it".

The New York Times

Recordwise and bookwise, if there's stuff that we don't know about, that's primarily what we're after.

The New York Times

"Make no mistake: I will not sit idly by when stuff happens if there's stuff we can do about that stuff," Bush told supporters.

The New Yorker

"Make no mistake: I will not sit idly by when stuff happens if there's stuff we can do about that stuff," Bush told supporters in Iowa.

The New Yorker

If there was stuff on the PPP and upgrades I will, of course, upgrade this upgrade accordingly.

The Guardian

If there's stuff they don't get or that surprises, even disturbs them — well, they're with us, and we'll explain.

The New Yorker

His song provides a warning not to hang around if there's stuff you want to get on with because if you "Didn't do the things you meant to do/Now there's no time to start a new/Now the party's through" No playlist about finishing would be complete without a few break up tunes, so here come my three faves from the many nominations.

The Guardian - Music

If there's stuff you need to talk about with your partner, find a time to bring it up.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if there is stuff", consider your audience and the context. In formal settings, opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "if there are materials" or "if there are items".

Common error

Avoid using "stuff" in academic papers or professional reports. Although grammatically correct, it lacks precision and can make your writing appear less credible. Always consider more specific alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if there is stuff" functions as a conditional clause, setting a condition for a particular outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable, particularly in less formal contexts. The phrase introduces a hypothetical situation where certain unspecified items or materials exist.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if there is stuff" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a conditional scenario contingent on the presence of unspecified items or materials. While Ludwig confirms its acceptability, it's important to note its informal register. More formal alternatives, such as "if there are things" or "if there are items", are recommended for professional or academic writing. Be mindful of your audience and context to ensure appropriate language use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if there are things

Replaces the informal word "stuff" with the more general and slightly more formal "things".

if there are items

Substitutes "stuff" with "items", suggesting a more specific and countable set of objects.

if there is material

Replaces "stuff" with "material", implying the existence of resources or substances.

assuming there is something

Changes the conditional "if" to "assuming", emphasizing a presupposition rather than a possibility. The word "stuff" also changes to the more formal and general "something".

in the event that there is something

Adds formality by using "in the event that" instead of "if", and "something" instead of "stuff".

provided that there is something

Replaces "if" with "provided that", indicating a condition or requirement.

supposing there is anything

Uses "supposing" to express a hypothesis and replaces "stuff" with anything, implying a wider range of possibilities.

should there be any items

Uses the more formal structure "should there be" instead of "if there is", and replaces "stuff" with the more formal "items".

assuming the presence of materials

This alternative assumes the existence of materials, shifting the focus to the condition of their presence.

contingent upon the existence of resources

Replaces "if" with "contingent upon", signaling a higher degree of formality and conditionality and replaces "stuff" with "resources".

FAQs

What does "if there is stuff" mean?

The phrase "if there is stuff" means 'if there are things available or present'. The word "stuff" is used in an informal way to refer to unspecified items or materials.

What can I say instead of "if there is stuff"?

You can use alternatives like "if there are things", "if there are items", or "if there is material" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "if there is stuff" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "if there is stuff" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use more precise and professional alternatives.

How do I decide when to use "if there is stuff" versus "if there are things"?

Use "if there is stuff" in casual conversations or informal writing. For more formal contexts, opt for "if there are things" or other specific terms to maintain a professional tone.