if things continue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if things continue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a condition or situation that may persist into the future, often implying a consequence or outcome based on that continuation. Example: "If things continue as they are, we may face significant challenges in the coming months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But "if things continue like this..

The Guardian

If things continue like this the scheme will crash.

The Guardian

Obviously, if things continue to get worse, people may reconsider.

The Guardian - Tech

If things continue to go well, I will end up living in Elko, Nevada.

The New Yorker

The many species that are already declining could become extinct if things continue as they are.

Independent

If things continue the way they are, many countries could lose their elephants altogether".

The New York Times

"If things continue as they are, we are heading to a third-world economy".

The New Yorker

"If things continue like this, China will only be known for tea and pandas".

The New York Times

If things continue to slide, voters might be tempted to say no.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"If things continue as they are now, it's going to happen rather quickly," he said.

BBC

"If things continue to at this level, that's probably going to be examined," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by placing the "if things continue" clause at the beginning, middle, or end of your sentence to improve readability and flow.

Common error

Avoid using "if things continue" without clearly defining what "things" refers to. For example, instead of saying "If things continue, we'll have problems," specify "If the current rate of spending continues, we'll have problems".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if things continue" functions as a conditional clause, setting up a condition that, if met, will lead to a particular outcome. Ludwig AI's examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from political forecasts to environmental predictions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if things continue" is a versatile phrase used to express conditional scenarios based on the continuation of current circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, especially in news and media contexts. To enhance clarity, it's essential to define what "things" refers to, and to vary sentence structure for improved readability. By avoiding ambiguity and using contextually appropriate alternatives, writers can effectively convey their intended meaning. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for a variety of communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if the current situation persists

Substitutes "things" with "current situation" for clarity and uses "persists" to indicate continuation.

if the existing pattern continues

Highlights the ongoing "pattern" as the determining factor, adding a sense of predictability.

if the present conditions hold

Uses "present conditions" to refer to the current state and "hold" to suggest they remain unchanged.

if the situation unfolds as it has

Describes a scenario where the future is a direct consequence of the unfolding of the situation.

should the trend persist

Replaces the general "things" with a more specific "trend" and uses a more formal tone with "persist".

given the current trajectory

Indicates that the future is dependent on the "current trajectory" or path.

assuming the status quo remains

Emphasizes the continuation of the "status quo" using a more formal and cautious tone.

presuming the ongoing circumstances

Emphasizes the assumption that the "ongoing circumstances" will remain in effect.

if no changes occur

Focuses on the absence of change as the condition for a particular outcome.

in the event of no alteration

Uses a more formal tone to express that a particular outcome depends on the absence of change.

FAQs

How can I use "if things continue" in a sentence?

You can use "if things continue" to express a conditional statement about the future based on the current situation. For example, "If things continue as they are, we may need to re-evaluate our budget."

What phrases are similar to "if things continue"?

Similar phrases include "should the trend persist", "if the current situation persists", or "assuming the status quo remains".

Is "if things continue" formal or informal?

"If things continue" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain situations.

What's the difference between "if things continue" and "if things go on"?

While similar, "if things continue" implies a continuation of the current state, whereas "if things go on" can suggest a broader continuation of events, not necessarily tied to the present. The most adequate one depends on the context.