if you so wish

USAGE SUMMARY

'if you so wish' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to offer someone an option or to allow them the freedom to decide something for themselves. For example, "You can pick any seat in the theater, if you so wish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

You can see parts of his interview, if you so wish.

Independent

It will also send you a notification about it, if you so wish.

The Guardian - Tech

You can make them in all sorts of colours and, if you so wish, assemble them to make a mobile.

The Guardian

Enjoy this week's show, as always come and say hello on Facebook or Twitter if you so wish.

The Guardian - Music

This means specific individuals will still be able to contact you, even during your quiet hours if you so wish.

The Guardian - Tech

All that "need not" means is that it is possible to do away with the supernatural if you so wish.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

You could, if you so wished, cram an impressive 80,000 tracks on to the machine - if you compressed them all - but what's the point.

The Guardian

But think: even in the most heated argument, were you not aware of what you could do, if you so wished?

The Guardian - Opinion

In fact, you could likely now do away with the sound all together, if you so wished.

Huffington Post

Given that everyone now films absolutely everything and that you could, if you so wished, I imagine, tune into at least sixty seven Periscope streams of lads doing really long pisses, it isn't surprising that the internet's favourite visual dumping ground is home to thousands upon thousands of narrative free snapshots of blokes putzing around with big keyboards in their bedrooms.

Vice

and also be saved in a born again church and God will help you if he so wish.

Conflict and Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if you so wish" to politely offer an option or indicate that something is up to the recipient's discretion. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, adding a touch of consideration to your writing.

Common error

While "if you so wish" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in very casual settings where simpler alternatives like "if you want" or "if you like" would be more natural. Overuse can make your communication sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if you so wish" functions as an adverbial clause of condition, modifying the main clause by expressing a condition under which the action in the main clause can occur. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

21%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if you so wish" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to politely offer an option or grant permission. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While "if you so wish" appears frequently in news sources, academic writing, and wikis, it should be used judiciously in very informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Related phrases like "if you desire" or "should you wish" can offer similar meanings with varying degrees of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should you wish

Inverts the sentence structure for a slightly more formal tone.

if you desire

Uses a more formal verb for a similar meaning.

if it is your wish

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the other person's desire.

if you want to

Simplifies the phrasing to a more common expression.

if you are so inclined

Similar to "if you feel inclined" but slightly more formal.

if you like

Offers a more casual and friendly alternative.

if you feel inclined

Suggests a gentle encouragement to consider the option.

at your discretion

Implies that the decision is entirely up to the other person.

if you're willing

Focuses on the other person's willingness to undertake the action.

if that's what you want

Emphasizes that the choice depends on their preference.

FAQs

How can I use "if you so wish" in a sentence?

You can use "if you so wish" to offer someone an option, such as, "You can leave early, "if you so wish"", indicating they have the freedom to decide.

What is a more casual alternative to "if you so wish"?

For a more casual alternative, consider using phrases like "if you want" or "if you like", which are more appropriate in informal settings.

Is there a more formal way to say "if you so wish"?

A more formal way to phrase this is "should you desire" or "if you desire", which elevates the tone of the sentence.

What's the difference between "if you so wish" and "if you want to"?

"If you so wish" is a polite way of offering a choice, while "if you want to" is a more direct and simple expression of the same idea. The former adds a touch of formality and consideration.