if things keep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if things keep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a condition that depends on the continuation of certain circumstances or events. Example: "If things keep going this way, we might need to reconsider our strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Still, he said Texans occasionally ask him questions like: "You don't believe in all this global warming nonsense, do you?" He said he does not believe in all the nonsense, but he added that temperatures are rising globally and greenhouse gases are the biggest driver of the trend, and "if things keep going like this there will be serious consequences".

The New York Times

If things keep going like this.

The New Yorker

That will probably change if things keep going his way.

The New York Times - Science

If things keep going as they are, the real-estate mogul will be front-and-center.

The New Yorker

Mind you, Roddick won't mind if things keep going like this.

The Guardian - Sport

(If things keep going the way they have been, she's probably right).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"I did think I could go faster if things kept progressing and I got a decent training load in.

BBC

If these things keep happening, then nobody can predict how it will end".

The Guardian

If more things keep coming up, it's going to be a lot more difficult to support him".

The New York Times

"But if bad things keep happening to a certain kind of people — black or white or green — some people just aren't going to take it anymore.

Los Angeles Times

Jesus People's spokesman explained "We think Jerry Orbach is a lovely man, but he doesn't have what it takes to stand up to the development...If things keep going there will be massive displacement.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if things keep" to introduce a potential consequence based on the continuation of a specific trend or situation. It's useful for setting up conditional statements about the future.

Common error

Avoid using "if things keep" when referring to a situation that has already changed significantly. The phrase implies a continuous, relatively unaltered state, so ensure it aligns with the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if things keep" functions as a conditional clause, setting up a scenario where the continuation of current events or trends dictates a subsequent outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if things keep" is a versatile conditional phrase, widely used to project potential future outcomes based on current trends. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Primarily found in news and media, it serves to set up hypothetical scenarios, often with implications for the future. When using this phrase, consider the timeframe and ensure it accurately reflects a continuous state. Alternatives like "assuming the current trend continues" or "should the situation remain as is" can provide nuanced expressions of similar conditional scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assuming the current trend continues

Emphasizes the continuation of a present pattern or tendency.

if the present conditions persist

Highlights the endurance of existing circumstances.

as long as things carry on like this

Indicates that the duration of a current state influences potential outcomes.

should the situation remain as is

Presents a hypothetical scenario where the current state does not change.

provided the circumstances don't change

Specifies that certain outcomes depend on the lack of change in present conditions.

if the current trajectory holds

Highlights the importance of maintaining a specific direction or path.

in the event that things stay the same

Focuses on the possibility of no alterations occurring.

if the status quo is maintained

Underlines the preservation of the current state of affairs.

if the situation continues unaltered

Focuses on the unaltered state of an existing condition.

on the condition that matters proceed similarly

States that future events are contingent upon the consistent continuation of current events.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "if things keep going this way"?

Alternatives include "assuming the current trend continues", "should the situation remain as is", or "as long as things carry on like this" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "if things keep"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. Starting with "if" introduces a conditional clause, and "if things keep" sets the condition based on the continuation of a current state or trend.

What's the difference between "if things keep" and "if things change"?

"If things keep" implies a continuation of the current situation, while "if things change" suggests a deviation or alteration from the present state. They set opposite conditions for different potential outcomes.

How to use "if things keep" in a sentence about the economy?

Example: "If things keep going the way they're going with the economy, he told them, you won't have any benefits left to lose." This shows a potential negative consequence based on the current economic trajectory.