if you attach

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if you attach" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of connecting or including something, typically in the context of documents or files. Example: "If you attach the report to your email, I will review it before the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Mounted Sharpeners You will always know where your sharpener is if you attach it to something.

The New York Times - Food

You will always know where your sharpener is if you attach it to something.

The New York Times - Food

You need to omit that feature, if you attach the keypad to RA0!

Cornell University

"But if you attach that much emotional energy to a word, it gives people the power to hurt each other".

The Guardian - Books

"If you attach yourself to certain people at a certain point in your life, they never become human again, they're always gods," he says.

The Guardian - Music

(This runs contrary to current conventional wisdom about how online speech becomes more civil if you attach people's real names to their actions).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

What would happen if you attached a bungee cord to your underpants and jumped out of a tree?

The New York Times

The joke about coffee-table books used to be that if you attached four legs to one you'd have a coffee table.

The New York Times - Books

Likewise, if you attached the rover beneath the lander, it could get trapped if the legs sank into sandy ground or landed at an odd angle.

BBC

If you attached batting to your bulletin board, you can mimic a soft, tufted comforter.

WikiHow

Villagers often like when they get sent letters, especially if you attached a present!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if you attach" in technical writing, ensure the method of attachment is clear to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "if you attach" in highly formal contexts like legal documents. Opt for more precise and professional wording such as "provided that you annex" or "should you append".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if you attach" functions as a conditional conjunction, introducing a clause that specifies a condition upon which another action depends. This is supported by Ludwig, indicating its grammatically correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if you attach" is a common and grammatically correct conjunction used to introduce a conditional clause. As Ludwig confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general instructions. While it maintains a generally neutral register, it's important to consider more formal alternatives in highly professional settings. Common alternatives include "should you include" and "provided you include", which offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remember to ensure clarity in the method of attachment to avoid ambiguity in technical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should you connect

Replaces "attach" with "connect", implying a physical or logical link.

in the event you affix

Uses more formal language with "affix", suggesting a firm attachment.

if you append

Replaces "attach" with "append", indicating adding something to the end.

assuming you link

Uses "link" to suggest a connection, either physical or digital.

provided you include

Focuses on the act of including something along with something else.

on the condition you fasten

Specifies a condition of fastening something securely.

supposing you adjoin

Employs "adjoin", indicating being next to and joined to something.

if you couple

Suggests joining two things together, often implying a pair.

when you secure

Focuses on the action of firmly fixing something in place.

given that you add

Emphasizes the addition of something as a condition or factor.

FAQs

How can I use "if you attach" in a sentence?

You can use "if you attach" to indicate a condition where something is added or connected. For example, "If you attach the required documents, your application will be processed".

What are some alternatives to "if you attach"?

Alternatives include "should you include", "provided you include", or "assuming you link", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "if you attach" in writing?

"If you attach" is suitable for general and technical writing where you need to specify a condition of connection or inclusion. However, for legal or extremely formal contexts, more precise language may be preferable.

Is there a difference between "if you attach" and "if you have attached"?

"If you attach" implies a future or conditional action, while "if you have attached" refers to a completed action. For example, "If you attach the file now..." versus "If you have attached the file already...". The first means you should do it, the second confirms that you already did it.