if this goes wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if this goes wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a condition or concern about a potential negative outcome in a situation. Example: "We need to have a backup plan in place if this goes wrong during the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"If this goes wrong it could be very bad for our interests".

The New York Times

If this goes wrong in Afghanistan, the whole region feels the consequences.

The Guardian

"Woe betide us if this goes wrong," read the headline of an article explaining the bond program in the country's most widely read paper, Bild.

The New York Times

Because if this goes wrong, it's not just May's career or the Tories' electoral prospects that are wrecked: it's the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

("I did a 220ft high fall on a wire where I was being unravelled…it was one of those where if this goes wrong, it could end very poorly").

Independent

If this goes wrong, you WILL DESTROY YOUR PHONE.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Where I can see this going wrong is if people think, I'm not going to get credit for what I do, so I'm not going to work as hard".

The New Yorker

If this thing goes wrong, I know I'll look like the biggest idiot ever.

The New York Times - Sports

What if this process goes wrong and they now start eating good synapses, or synapses that shouldn't be eaten?

Los Angeles Times

If this process goes wrong, the cell might die, so cells employ a complicated regulatory process to ensure that M phase begins and ends at the right time.

eLife

So my first question is this: If something goes wrong when the car is under warranty, and all of us who abandoned our dealers have to return (tails between our legs) to the dealer, will our warranties be voided?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if this goes wrong", clearly define what "this" refers to in your sentence to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of "If this goes wrong, we're doomed", specify: "If this surgery goes wrong, his mobility will be severely limited."

Common error

Avoid making overly dramatic or vague statements about the potential consequences of something going wrong. Instead of saying, "If this goes wrong, everything will fall apart", be specific about what aspects will be affected and how.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if this goes wrong" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a potential negative outcome. It sets up a scenario where something might not proceed as planned. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is grammatically correct and widely understood.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if this goes wrong" introduces a conditional clause expressing concern about potential negative outcomes. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. To enhance clarity, ensure "this" is clearly defined. Consider alternatives like "if this fails" or "should this go awry" depending on the desired tone. Ultimately, using this phrase effectively involves balancing caution with clear, specific language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if this fails

Focuses directly on the failure of "this", without specifying the nature of the negative outcome.

if this backfires

Implies a negative consequence that rebounds on the initiator.

if this doesn't work out

A more general expression indicating that the desired result is not achieved.

if this turns sour

Suggests a situation that starts well but deteriorates.

should this go awry

A more formal way of expressing something going wrong.

in the event of failure

A formal phrase indicating a potential unsuccessful outcome.

if it all goes pear-shaped

An informal idiom for things going badly wrong.

if worst comes to worst

Expresses a scenario where the most negative outcome occurs.

at the risk of failure

Highlights the possibility of not succeeding.

if the plan collapses

Implies complete failure of an existing plan or strategy.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "if this goes wrong" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you could use phrases like "should this go awry", "in the event of failure", or "if this does not succeed".

What are some less formal alternatives to "if this goes wrong"?

Less formal options include "if this fails", "if this backfires", or "if it all goes pear-shaped".

Is there a difference between "if this goes wrong" and "if something goes wrong"?

"If this goes wrong" refers to a specific situation or action that is currently being discussed. "If something goes wrong" is more general and can refer to any potential problem or issue.

How to use "if this goes wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "if this goes wrong" to express concern or contingency. For example, "If this goes wrong, we need to have a backup plan in place" or "Consider the consequences "if this goes wrong"".