if you have any brains

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if you have any brains" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a context where you are questioning someone's intelligence or decision-making abilities, often in a sarcastic or critical manner. Example: "You should really reconsider that choice, if you have any brains."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

If you have any brains, you watch him and listen to him".

The New York Times

Or maybe you think I'm a big phony....But, right or wrong -- they boil down to the same thing at the end of the day, if not by lunchtime, although of course it depends when you turned the flame on -- I would rather not "know" about it, so if you have any brains you won't "tell" me about it.

The New Yorker

Not if you have any brains.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Saturday, if you have any brain cells left, you go to Kennedy's for dinner".

The New Yorker

A mistake in rocket science could kill a lot of people Neuroscience: 2 – Rocket science: 1 Neuroscience: Neuroscience involves the brain, so if you have a brain and a body, then technically that's all you need to do neuroscience.

The Guardian

"If you have a brain you are a start-up," encourages a graffito on one of the many stacked containers flanking the hall.

The Economist

I know that in big cities like Moscow, New York or London, if you are not lazy, if you have a brain in your head, you can make a career, you can earn money.

The Guardian - Money

Can an app look you in the eye and know if you have a brain injury?

TechCrunch

"If you have a brain as a manager you think very hard before going to Leeds now," he said.

BBC

But if you have a brain, that should scare you.

Huffington Post

It comes down to one simple fact: If you have a brain, you're biased.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "if you have any brains" sparingly, as it can come across as condescending or insulting. Consider the tone and audience when deciding whether to use it.

Common error

Avoid using "if you have any brains" in situations where constructive feedback is needed. It's often better to phrase your concerns in a more supportive and less accusatory way.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if you have any brains" functions primarily as a conditional clause. It introduces a condition upon which the speaker's statement depends, implying doubt or skepticism about the listener's intelligence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if you have any brains" is a grammatically sound conditional phrase used primarily to question someone's intelligence or decision-making ability. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, though it's crucial to note its potential to offend. Primarily found in news and media contexts, this phrase should be used cautiously in formal settings. Consider alternatives like "if you have any sense" to mitigate potential offense. Remember to tailor your language to your audience and the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if you have any sense

Shifts the focus from intelligence to common sense or good judgment.

if you're at all smart

Simplifies the phrasing to a more direct assessment of someone's smartness.

if you have any common sense

Specifically emphasizes the lack of common sense, implying poor judgment.

if you're not completely stupid

Changes the phrasing to focus on the absence of stupidity rather than the presence of intelligence.

if you're using your head

Uses a more colloquial expression implying the active use of one's mind.

if you're not a complete idiot

Uses a more direct and informal term ("idiot") to imply a lack of intelligence.

if you're thinking clearly

Focuses on the clarity of thought rather than intelligence itself.

if you possess any intelligence

Uses a more formal phrasing, emphasizing the possession of intelligence.

assuming you're not a moron

Introduces a conditional assumption that the person isn't a moron.

if you're not entirely brainless

Uses the term "brainless" to suggest a complete lack of intelligence.

FAQs

How can I use "if you have any brains" in a sentence?

You can use "if you have any brains" to express that someone should know better or make a smarter choice. For example, "If you have any brains, you'll save your money instead of spending it all."

What's a less offensive alternative to "if you have any brains"?

Consider using phrases like "if you have any sense", "if you have any common sense", or "if you're at all smart" to convey a similar meaning without being as harsh.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "if you have any brains"?

The phrase "if you have any brains" is best used sparingly in informal settings or when you want to express strong disapproval. Avoid using it in professional or academic contexts due to its potentially offensive nature.

Is "if you have any brain" grammatically correct?

While "if you have any brain" isn't strictly ungrammatical, "if you have any brains" is the more common and idiomatic expression.