if things go well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if things go well" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a conditional statement, indicating that the outcome or situation being discussed is dependent on certain circumstances. Example: "We have a busy day ahead, but if things go well, we should be able to finish all our tasks by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that's if things go well.

The New Yorker

The employees get all the rewards if things go well.

The Economist

That may be enough if things go well.

The Economist

If things go well, of course, covenants are irrelevant.

The Economist

If things go well, I'll head for Cuba.

The Guardian

If things go well, she will apply to carry on.

The Guardian

If things go well, Blackstone will receive a return of about 15 percent, these people say.

The New York Times

By contrast, in Greece, even if things go well, the I.M.F.

The New York Times

But even if things go well, this will be a long and rocky road.

The New York Times

Even if things go well, a glitch-free games seems unlikely.

The Economist

"And then, if things go well, you can be part of the upside".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if things go well", ensure the subsequent clause clearly outlines the expected positive outcome or action. For example, "If things go well, we anticipate a significant increase in sales."

Common error

Avoid using "if things go well" without a specific and measurable outcome. For instance, instead of "If things go well, we'll be successful", specify "If things go well, we expect to reach our target of 10,000 new users."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if things go well" functions as an adverbial clause of condition. It sets a condition upon which the main clause depends. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard and grammatically correct way to introduce a hypothetical positive scenario.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if things go well" is a versatile and commonly used expression to introduce conditional statements contingent on positive outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves to express expectations or plans based on the anticipation of favorable circumstances. While perfectly acceptable, writers should ensure that the subsequent clause clearly defines the expected outcome and may consider more formal alternatives like "assuming success" or "with a favorable outcome" for professional or academic contexts. Be aware of the need to be specific of the outcome and avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the best-case scenario

This alternative phrase sets the stage for considering what happens when the most optimistic set of circumstances unfolds.

with a favorable outcome

This phrase highlights the desirability of a positive result, specifying the kind of outcome that is hoped for.

with things proceeding positively

This alternative highlights the ongoing positive progress as the basis for expectations.

given a positive result

Similar to 'with a favorable outcome', but more directly ties the subsequent action to the achievement of a positive result.

should everything proceed as hoped

This alternative combines the elements of expectation and hope, suggesting a desire for a specific course of events.

assuming success

This alternative emphasizes the anticipation of a successful outcome, shifting the focus from general conditions to the result itself.

if all goes according to plan

This alternative emphasizes the adherence to a pre-set plan as the condition for a positive outcome.

assuming a positive trend continues

This option is suited when something's development is already in progress and you want to assume it will continue its favorable direction.

should fortune smile

A more figurative and less direct way of expressing the condition, invoking luck or fortune as the determining factor.

if the stars align

A more metaphorical expression suggesting that multiple factors need to coincide for a favorable result.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "if things go well" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases such as "assuming success", "with a favorable outcome", or "given a positive result" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "if things go good" instead of "if things go well"?

While "if things go good" might be heard in informal speech, "if things go well" is the grammatically correct and preferred option for both formal and informal writing.

What's the difference between "if things go well" and "if all goes according to plan"?

"If things go well" is a general expression indicating a positive outcome. "If all goes according to plan" specifically refers to a situation where a pre-determined plan is successfully executed.

Can I use "if things go well" in academic writing?

Yes, "if things go well" is acceptable in academic writing, although you might consider using more formal alternatives like "assuming a positive trend continues" if the context requires a higher level of formality.