if they do

USAGE SUMMARY

'if they do' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to introduce a condition in the sentence. For example, "If they do, I'll reward them with a special treat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What if they do?

The New York Times

If they do, run.

The New Yorker

And if they do?

The New York Times - Travel

But what if they do?

The New Yorker

"If they do, they disappear".

The New York Times

We'll see if they do.

The New York Times

So what if they do?

The New Yorker

And if they do not?

The New York Times

If they do, it's on.

The New York Times

If they do, something will be lost.

The New York Times

If they do not, tensions will accelerate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if they do", consider the tone and formality of your writing. It is generally suitable for both informal and neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "if they do" when the subject of 'they' is ambiguous or hasn't been clearly established. Ensure the antecedent is clear to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "if they do" is to introduce a conditional clause, setting up a condition that, if met, will result in a particular outcome. Ludwig examples showcase this use in various scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

31%

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if they do" functions as a conditional clause, expressing a contingency or possibility. The phrase is grammatically correct and broadly utilized, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is appropriate for various contexts, especially news and media. However, clarity regarding the subject 'they' is essential to prevent ambiguity. Consider more formal alternatives for highly formal writing. The many examples in Ludwig reflect its versatility and common usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if that occurs

More general, referring to any event happening.

if they carry it out

Specifically refers to the execution of a plan or task.

in the event they act

Formal alternative, emphasizing the possibility of a specific action.

assuming they take action

Highlights the assumption that an action will occur.

should they proceed

More formal and hypothetical, focusing on the continuation of an action.

if this comes to pass

More formal and somewhat literary alternative.

on the condition they comply

Emphasizes a requirement for something to happen.

provided they consent

Highlights the need for agreement or permission.

were they to do it

Emphasizes a hypothetical situation with a more formal tone.

supposing they make it so

Focuses on their active role in bringing something about.

FAQs

How can I use "if they do" in a sentence?

Use "if they do" to introduce a conditional clause, indicating a potential action or event. For example, "If they offer a discount, I will buy it."

What are some alternatives to using "if they do"?

Alternatives include "in the event that", "should they", or "provided that they", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "if they do" formal or informal?

"If they do" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives may be preferred in highly formal writing.

How can I avoid ambiguity when using "if they do"?

Ensure the pronoun 'they' has a clear antecedent. If the subject is unclear, rephrase the sentence to explicitly state who 'they' refers to. For example, instead of "If they do, it's a problem," write "If the developers do that, it's a problem."