if...then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if...then" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in conditional statements to express a cause-and-effect relationship or to indicate that one event will occur if another event happens. Example: "If it rains tomorrow, then we will cancel the picnic."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

If only it were true.

The New York Times

Then something happened.

The New York Times - Arts

And then?

The New York Times - Science

I wanted to give society a chance to determine if it should change itself.

The Guardian

We will also ensure that if there are any lessons to be learned, they are shared as soon as possible.

The Guardian

"Although the investigation is in its early stages, we will take action to protect the public if we uncover evidence that could affect the safety of other rides at the park or elsewhere".

The Guardian

And then it happened.

The New York Times

If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well it were done quickly.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I think it's for women to make a choice about what clothes they wish to wear, if they wish to wear a veil that is for a woman to make a choice.

The Guardian

David, if you think this election is about leadership, then debate me one on one.

The Guardian

"We do not know if the Chibok girls can be rescued.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the condition ("if" clause) clearly leads to the stated consequence ("then" clause) for logical coherence.

Common error

While omitting "then" is acceptable in informal contexts, formal writing usually benefits from its inclusion for clarity and emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if...then" functions as a conditional connector, establishing a relationship between a condition and its consequence. This indicates that the event in the 'then' clause will occur if the event in the 'if' clause happens. According to Ludwig's AI, this follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

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Reference

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if...then" serves as a conditional connector, establishing a relationship between a condition and its resulting consequence. While the phrase itself follows standard grammar rules as confirmed by Ludwig, its usage varies across different registers, being more prevalent in formal contexts. Although absent from the provided examples, it’s crucial to ensure the condition clearly leads to the consequence for logical coherence. Remember, omitting "then" is more appropriate in informal settings, while formal writing benefits from its inclusion for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if so

A more concise way to refer back to a previously stated condition.

assuming that

Highlights the assumption upon which the subsequent statement relies.

only if

Highlights necessity of condition.

in that case

Focuses on the consequence, often implying a more immediate or direct result.

in which case

Focuses on the outcome or what follows from a specific situation.

should this happen

Emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the condition.

provided that

Similar to 'on the condition that', but can also suggest enablement.

on the condition that

More formal and emphasizes the stipulation or requirement.

in the event that

More formal and anticipates a specific possibility.

when that happens

Indicates a temporal connection between the condition and the result.

FAQs

How can I use "if...then" in a sentence?

Use "if...then" to express a conditional relationship where the "then" clause is a consequence of the "if" clause. For example, "If it rains, then we will stay inside".

What phrases can I use instead of "if...then"?

You can use alternatives like "in that case", "provided that", or "only if" depending on the desired emphasis.

Is it grammatically incorrect to omit "then" in an "if...then" statement?

While not strictly incorrect, omitting "then" is more common in informal contexts. Formal writing often includes "then" for clarity.

What is the difference between "if...then" and "only if"?

"If...then" expresses a sufficient condition, while "only if" expresses a necessary condition. "If it rains, then the ground is wet" means rain causes wetness. "The ground is wet only if it rains" means wetness requires rain.