if we were to extend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if we were to extend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing hypothetical situations or possibilities regarding extending something, such as a deadline or a project. Example: "If we were to extend the deadline, we could ensure that everyone has enough time to complete their work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

If we were to extend it to 2013, the slope of the line would fall sharply.

The New Yorker

If we were to extend Newton's enumeration to the remaining paragraphs, then paragraphs V XII constitute a sustained defense of the distinctions as characterized in I IV.

SEP

Therefore, if we were to extend our analysis to traits not associated with nutrient metabolism and growth, we would most likely observe less parallel evolution.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

(Anthony Weiner, if we're to extend the metaphor, must have been John Edwards, a sleazy flameout. And poor Bill Thompson: underestimated again).

The New Yorker

"If we are to extend the leaving age to 18, we must make sure the curriculum reflects pupils' interests and needs".

The Guardian

If we are to extend Mr. Silver's view that the law is a powerful moral tool, why not make it law that high school students read a certain number of books a year, or criminalize certain curse words?

The New York Times

(Anthony Weiner, if we're to extend the metaphor, must have been John Edwards, a sleazy flameout. And poor Bill Thompson: underestimated again). That this comparison was as likely to be invoked by supporters of Quinn's as by those of de Blasio may be proof of its improbable merits.

The New Yorker

However, the presence of the unconformity means that deep sea records are required if we are to extend our reconstruction beyond 20 Ma and so better correlate climate and erosion with Greater Himalayan exhumation.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

Maybe our patriotism also develops in phases that cumulate in an era, and which, if we're to extend the metaphor, ends a bit like a marriage after a wild courtship and is formalized, respectively, with a ring or a war... or a civil ceremony or a race riot... Which begs the question: How do we love America?

Huffington Post

If we are to extend our analysis of the disjunction between care and Quality of Care, some greater specification is needed.

BMC Medical Ethics

The latter observation emphasises the need to further define these apparently un-conserved determinants of target specificity [ 35, 36] if we are to extend our knowledge beyond that of the critical seed region.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if we were to extend", ensure the conditional clause clearly outlines the potential consequences or benefits of the extension.

Common error

Avoid using "if we were to extend" when describing a definite action. This phrase is for hypothetical scenarios, not confirmed plans.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if we were to extend" functions as a conditional clause, setting up a hypothetical situation. It introduces a condition that, if met, would lead to a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, typically introducing hypothetical scenarios.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if we were to extend" is a grammatically correct conditional phrase used to introduce hypothetical scenarios where something is prolonged or expanded. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, its frequency is relatively rare. It finds use across various contexts, including News & Media, Science and Academia, making it useful in professional and academic writing. When using the phrase, ensure that you use it to describe hypothetical actions. When needing a replacement, alternatives like /s/if+we+prolonged/ may work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if we were to amplify

Emphasis on modifying a specific detail within an existing topic. It maintains the hypothetical condition but focusing on intensification

should we lengthen

Replaces "extend" with a synonym that emphasizes making something longer in physical dimension or duration.

if we prolonged

Uses "prolonged" to suggest extending something, especially in terms of time, implying a continuation.

assuming we broadened

Implies extending in scope or range rather than length or duration.

in the event we increased

Formal alternative emphasizing the hypothetical condition of increasing something.

on the condition we expanded

Expresses a requirement for expansion as part of a hypothetical scenario.

supposing we stretched

Uses "stretched" to suggest extending something, perhaps to its limit.

imagine we augmented

Suggests adding to something to extend its capabilities or impact.

if we amplified

Focuses on extending something's intensity or effect.

were we to protract

Formal phrasing suggesting the extension of duration, often implying an unnecessary or undesirable length.

FAQs

How can I use "if we were to extend" in a sentence?

Use "if we were to extend" to introduce a hypothetical situation where something is prolonged or expanded. For example, "If we were to extend the deadline, would more people participate?"

What's a more concise way of saying "if we were to extend"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "should we lengthen", or /s/if+we+prolonged/, offering a more direct way to express a similar conditional scenario.

Is "if we were to extend" formal or informal?

"If we were to extend" is generally considered a formal phrasing, suitable for professional or academic writing. In informal contexts, simpler phrasing might be preferred.

What's the difference between "if we were to extend" and /s/if+we+expanded/?

"If we were to extend" generally implies prolonging something in time or length, while "if we expanded" suggests increasing the scope or size of something. The choice depends on whether you're focusing on duration or scope.