if things go wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if things go wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to hypothetically describe a situation in which something could go wrong. For example, "If things go wrong, we'll need to come up with a plan B."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And if things go wrong?

The Economist

Yes – but not if things go wrong.

Independent

But what if things go wrong?

Independent

They also want someone to blame if things go wrong.

The Economist

If things go wrong, he can blame his ministers.

The Economist

That risks disappointment and overreaction if things go wrong.

The Economist

If things go wrong, he gets very angry.

The New York Times - Sports

"You can always extend the stimulus if things go wrong".

The New York Times

"If things go wrong on air, I've handled them.

The Guardian - Music

People shouldn't be punished if things go wrong".

The Guardian

If things go wrong, there's no one to blame".

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if things go wrong", clearly outline contingency plans or alternative courses of action to demonstrate preparedness.

Common error

Avoid using "if things go wrong" without specifying the potential negative consequences. Be specific about what could happen to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if things go wrong" functions as a conjunction phrase, introducing a conditional clause that expresses a potential negative outcome or problem. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if things go wrong" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to introduce a conditional clause about potential problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's acceptable in a wide range of contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, remember to consider the level of formality required for your specific writing context and choose alternative phrasing, such as "in the event of failure", for more formal settings. When you use "if things go wrong", ensure you clearly outline potential consequences and contingency plans to enhance clarity and preparedness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if something goes amiss

Replaces "wrong" with "amiss", implying a deviation from the expected or correct course.

if problems arise

Substitutes "things" with "problems" and "go wrong" with "arise", emphasizing the emergence of difficulties.

in the event of failure

Presents a more formal alternative, focusing on the possibility of not succeeding.

should complications occur

Uses more technical language, implying potential difficulties in a process or situation.

if matters take a turn for the worse

Indicates a deterioration of a situation, suggesting a negative change in circumstances.

if worst comes to worst

Emphasizes the most negative possible outcome.

if there are unforeseen issues

Highlights the unexpected nature of potential problems.

in case of difficulties

Offers a general alternative for any kind of trouble that might arise.

if the situation deteriorates

Focuses on the worsening of circumstances, implying a decline in conditions.

if anything untoward happens

Suggests that something unpleasant or inappropriate might occur.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "in the event of failure", "should complications occur", or "in case of difficulties".

What's a more casual way to say "if things go wrong"?

More casual alternatives include "if something goes amiss" or "if problems arise". These options are less formal and suitable for everyday conversation.

Is it always necessary to state a consequence after using "if things go wrong"?

While not always grammatically required, stating the consequence after "if things go wrong" provides clarity and context. It helps the audience understand the potential impact and what actions might be necessary.

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

While grammatically correct, "if things go wrong" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "should complications occur" or "in the event of failure" to maintain a professional tone.