if very

USAGE SUMMARY

'if very' isn't correct and usable in written English.
However, you can use the phrase "if ever" in written English. For example, "I will be shocked if ever I see her again".

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not bad, if very rich.

The New York Times - Food

If very depressing.

The Guardian - Tech

Especially if very big.

The Guardian - Opinion

But change is coming, if very slowly.

The Economist

If very often, you're not alone.

Harvard Business Review

If very old, highly valued pre-I.P.O.

The New York Times - Tech

If very thick, add a little water.

The New York Times

14...Nf6 Sane if very slightly submissive.

The Guardian - Sport

Sometimes, if very hard week, three Butterfingers.

The New Yorker

And they are equally, if very differently, wondrous.

The New York Times - Arts

Now it seems as if very little is possible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "if very" in formal writing. Instead, use more precise and grammatically correct alternatives such as "if extremely", "if particularly", or "if highly" depending on the intended meaning.

Common error

Using "if very" can make your writing seem less polished. Replace it with stronger, more specific adjectives or adverbs to enhance clarity and impact. For example, instead of "if very important", consider "if crucial" or "if essential".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if very" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, aiming to modify a condition. However, Ludwig AI marks this phrase as grammatically incorrect. It's often used to intensify the condition, but standard English prefers more explicit constructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "if very" appears frequently across various sources, it's considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. Its function is to intensify a conditional relationship, but more precise and grammatically sound alternatives, such as "if extremely" or "if particularly", should be preferred. Its usage spans news, science, and informal contexts like wikis, but it's best avoided in formal writing. The presence of "if very" often signals an opportunity to refine the writing and enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if extremely

Replaces "very" with a stronger intensifier.

if particularly

Highlights a specific case or condition.

if exceedingly

Uses a more formal synonym for "very", indicating a high degree.

if highly

Implies a notable level or degree of something.

if remarkably

Emphasizes the unusual or exceptional nature of the condition.

if unusually

Suggests the condition is out of the ordinary.

if quite

Indicates a moderate degree, less intense than "very".

if so

A brief way to refer to a previous statement.

if that's the case

More clearly states the conditional scenario.

assuming that

Introduces a condition or assumption.

FAQs

What phrases can I use instead of "if very"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "if very" with alternatives like "if extremely", "if particularly", or "if highly".

Is the phrase "if very" grammatically correct?

No, "if very" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal English. It's better to use more specific and grammatically sound alternatives.

How can I improve my writing by avoiding "if very"?

Focus on using stronger and more descriptive words. Instead of saying "if very cold", try "if freezing" or "if frigid". This will make your writing more precise and impactful.

What is the difference between "if very" and "if extremely"?

While both phrases express a conditional relationship, "if extremely" is grammatically correct and indicates a higher degree or intensity compared to the less formal and generally ungrammatical "if very".