if we arrive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if we arrive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in conditional statements to discuss what will happen or what is expected to happen upon arrival at a certain place or event. Example: "If we arrive early, we can grab a coffee before the meeting starts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"If we arrive in seven minutes and 59 seconds and the patient dies, that's called a success; if we arrive in eight minutes and one second and the patient lives, that's called a failure".

The Guardian

"Once all legal steps have been exhausted, if we arrive at a sensitive situation which demands a decision, there can be no doubt that I will intervene and give my opinion," he was quoted as saying on state-run television.

The New York Times

If we arrive in January with the NHS in England paralysed, is there a plan B? "The prime minister must acknowledge that social care is now a national crisis.

The Guardian - Money

"It is maybe better if we arrive on Wednesday night in London but if we stay here, we train here on Thursday morning and then arrive back later on Thursday.

The Guardian - Sport

"If we arrive at that point then I can see this being a long, dirty war of attrition and nobody will come out on top of that and the government will be placed in a position where it would have to consider acting in the interests of patients to secure safe services," he warned.

Independent

This leads to the extraordinary situation in which our response to a call can be deemed a success, even if the patient dies; yet if we arrive in eight minutes and one second, and save a person's life, this is marked down as a failure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

I had been warned that if we arrived after 5 p.m. on Friday we would have to let ourselves in.

The New York Times - Travel

If we arrived by 7 30, we could usually snap up a table that occupied its own little bay under a sheltering overhang.

The New York Times - Travel

He recognized that it was a risky move: "I would go hungry . . . if we arrived at the Pole after 18 January".

The New Yorker

If we arrived early to the appointment, there was time to read an entire Highlights magazine and an Archie and Veronica comic book.

The New York Times

"If we arrived tomorrow, saying that this time we have the guarantee that it won't be messed up, we should definitely not be believed, even if we were sincere — which we would be, by the way".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if we arrive", ensure the subsequent clause clearly states the expected outcome or action contingent on the arrival. This helps maintain clarity and logical flow in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "if we arrive" without a clear and logical consequence in the following clause. Ensure the reader understands what will happen or what action should be taken upon arrival; otherwise, the statement lacks purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if we arrive" functions as a conditional clause, setting up a scenario where the action in the main clause is contingent upon the arrival of the subject. It is similar to the examples Ludwig provides that set up scenarios depending on certain conditions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if we arrive" is a conditional phrase used to set up scenarios contingent upon someone's arrival. Ludwig's analysis indicates it is grammatically correct and sees use in a variety of contexts, with a slightly higher presence in news and media. When writing, ensure a clear and logical connection between the arrival and the subsequent action or outcome to maintain clarity. Alternatives such as "should we get there" or "once we arrive" can provide stylistic variation, depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should we get there

Rephrases the condition using "should" to indicate a possibility or expectation of arrival.

when we reach there

Indicates a specific time upon arrival at a destination.

once we arrive

Similar to "when we arrive" but emphasizes the immediate sequence of events following arrival.

assuming we arrive

Highlights the assumption that arrival will occur, setting a condition.

if we get in

Focuses on the act of entering or gaining access upon arrival.

provided we arrive

Specifies that the following action is contingent on the condition of arrival being met.

in the event we arrive

More formal way of saying "if we arrive" emphasizing a potential situation.

supposing we arrive

Similar to "assuming we arrive", indicating a hypothetical condition.

on our arrival

More formal, noun-based phrase indicating a point in time.

if we show up

More colloquial, suggesting a casual or uncertain arrival.

FAQs

How can I use "if we arrive" in a sentence?

Use "if we arrive" to set a condition that must be met for a subsequent action to occur. For example, "If we arrive early, we can get better seats."

What phrases are similar to "if we arrive"?

Similar phrases include "should we get there", "when we reach there", or "once we arrive".

Is it correct to say "in the event if we arrive"?

No, "in the event if we arrive" is redundant. Use either "in the event that we arrive" or simply "if we arrive".

What is the difference between "if we arrive" and "when we arrive"?

"If we arrive" implies a conditional situation, whereas "when we arrive" indicates a specific time. "If we arrive, we'll call you" suggests uncertainty, while "When we arrive, we'll call you" assumes arrival.