if withheld

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if withheld" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing the consequences or conditions related to something being kept back or not disclosed. Example: "The information will be released to the public if withheld from the authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is the only endorsement that will bring votes and the only endorsement, if withheld, that could cost Romney the general election.

The Guardian - Opinion

Morrison's first book is all about love, the way it can shape and mould you, if given; the way it stunts and silences you if withheld.

The Guardian - Books

At the very worst (as with Spain) for all their wealth, empires still end up dependent on credit provided by bankers based in circuits of capital that lie outside the territorial reach of the empire itself, credit which if withheld leaves the imperial army unpaid and the imperial military capacity momentarily out of central control.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Haruf hints at Reverend Lyle's motives but leaves things there, as if withholding the full story for some later installment.

The New York Times - Books

Patients were excluded from the trial if they withheld consent, if they had initially been treated by the "Test and Treat" procedure or if a baseline endoscopy was not obtained.

BMC Gastroenterology

If he withheld the online lectures for pedagogic reasons, fair enough.

The New York Times - Magazine

If the withheld opinions are sound, why fear letting them see the light of day?

The New York Times

And Democratic legislators threatened to sue Mr. Pataki if he withheld their pay.

The New York Times

The IMF was worried that it would be blamed for the recession that would follow if it withheld assistance.

The Economist

As the New York Times editorial board wrote this week: "Experts say the coalition would be grounded if Washington withheld its support".

The Guardian - Opinion

If I withheld insulin, I could drop 15 pounds in three days, easy.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if withheld", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being withheld and the consequences of its being withheld. This clarifies the conditional nature of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "if withheld" without specifying the subject or object. For example, instead of saying "Action will be taken if withheld", clarify it to "Action will be taken if information is withheld."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if withheld" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a scenario where something is kept back or not disclosed. This sets up a condition that affects the outcome of the main clause. As supported by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if withheld" is a grammatically sound and usable conditional clause, used to express contingency when something is kept back. While not extremely frequent, it appears in both News & Media and Scientific contexts and tends towards a neutral to formal register. As per Ludwig AI, it’s correct and serves to set conditions affecting subsequent actions or outcomes. Ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is being withheld and the subsequent consequences. Alternatives such as "if not provided" or "if kept back" can be considered for different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if not provided

Focuses on the lack of provision rather than the act of withholding.

if kept back

Emphasizes the action of retaining something.

should it be denied

Presents a more formal and hypothetical scenario.

in the event of non-disclosure

Highlights the absence of disclosure in a formal manner.

if access is denied

Specifically refers to the denial of access.

unless it is granted

Focuses on the granting action as a condition.

on the condition of secrecy

Implies that withholding is part of an agreement.

assuming it isn't released

Highlights the lack of releasing something.

provided it remains confidential

Implies the condition of something remaining confidential.

absent its dissemination

A formal way to express the lack of distribution.

FAQs

How can I use "if withheld" in a sentence?

You can use "if withheld" to express a condition where something is kept back, such as, "The information will be released to the public "if withheld" from the authorities."

What are some alternatives to "if withheld"?

Alternatives include phrases like "if not provided", "if kept back", or "should it be denied", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "if the information was withheld" instead of "if withheld"?

Yes, "if the information was withheld" provides more clarity by explicitly stating what is being withheld. "If withheld" is grammatically correct but relies on context for understanding.

What's the difference between "if withheld" and "unless granted"?

"If withheld" emphasizes the act of keeping something back, while "unless granted" focuses on the permission or authorization needed. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the withholding action or the granting of permission.