were to sink

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were to sink" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in hypothetical or conditional statements to discuss a situation that could occur under certain circumstances. Example: "If the ship were to sink, the crew would follow the emergency protocols."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

They would not care if all of Europe were to sink into the ocean tomorrow.

The New York Times - Books

But the rescue craft require periodic overhauls, and critics worry about what might happen if a submarine were to sink when the Mystic is not available.

The New York Times

Disappointed, some are turning to more shadowy groups outside the CFCM, which has still not earned widespread legitimacy.The CFCM's main achievements were to sink differences over the headscarf ban and unite to appeal for the release of French hostages in Iraq.

The Economist

In a very tragic miscommunication, when an Allied B-24 bomber spotted the U-boats, its orders were to sink the submarines.

Huffington Post

The aims of her patrol were to sink any Pakistani naval warships, to sink merchant shipping when specifically ordered, and to conduct general patrol and surveillance.

Wikipedia

And, we had to plan for the worst -- the "what-ifs": what if there was no wind, what if there was major damage, or worse yet, what if we were to sink (and have to seek refuge in the life raft)?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"The idea is to sink those".

The New York Times

"John and I went down to Father Whitall's to sink our flax," he wrote.

The New York Times

The more goods you pile onto a ship, the more likely it is to sink.

The Guardian

The thirtysomethings' answer to these unsettling truths is to sink down to the eyeballs in a time-travelling jacuzzi.

The Guardian - Film

The mission of the second world is to sink anchors which drop down into the board.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were to sink" to introduce hypothetical scenarios, especially when emphasizing potential consequences or planning for unlikely events. This phrasing adds a layer of formality and anticipation to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was to sink" instead of "were to sink" when describing hypothetical situations. "Was to sink" implies a planned or scheduled event that didn't happen, whereas "were to sink" suggests a purely hypothetical possibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were to sink" functions primarily as part of a conditional clause, introducing a hypothetical situation. It sets up a condition that, if met, would lead to a particular outcome. Ludwig confirms this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were to sink" is used to express hypothetical or conditional scenarios. Grammatically correct, it is most often found in News & Media, Wiki and Science contexts. Although uncommon, Ludwig confirms its correct usage. When writing, remember that "were to sink" is used for hypothetical situations, not planned events. Consider alternatives like "should it sink" for similar meaning. The phrase serves to explore potential outcomes, often prompting contingency planning. Its register leans towards neutral to formal, so avoid in very casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should it sink

Replaces "were to" with "should", maintaining a hypothetical tone but with a slightly more formal feel.

if it sank

Simplifies the conditional by using the past simple tense "sank" in an if-clause.

in the event of sinking

Transforms the phrase into a noun phrase, suitable for more formal or technical contexts.

if sinking occurred

Uses a more formal and less common phrasing to express the hypothetical situation.

should it be submerged

Replaces "sink" with "submerged", focusing on the action of going underwater, and using 'should' for condition.

if it were submerged

A more descriptive alternative, focusing on the state of being submerged rather than the action of sinking.

in case it sinks

Expresses a contingency, highlighting preparedness for a potential sinking.

if it goes under

Uses a more colloquial expression, suitable for informal contexts.

on the condition of sinking

Emphasizes a specific condition, framing the sinking as a possible event that triggers something else.

assuming it sinks

Highlights the assumption that sinking might occur, influencing subsequent actions or decisions.

FAQs

How do I use "were to sink" in a sentence?

Use "were to sink" to express a hypothetical situation or unlikely event, often to discuss potential consequences. For instance, "If the ship "were to sink", what would the protocol be?"

What is a good alternative to "were to sink"?

Alternatives include "should it sink", "if it sank", or "in the event of sinking", depending on the level of formality and the specific context.

Is it correct to use "was to sink" instead of "were to sink" in a hypothetical context?

No, "was to sink" implies a planned or scheduled event, whereas "were to sink" expresses a hypothetical situation. Using "was to sink" in place of "were to sink" is incorrect in such contexts.

What's the difference between "were to sink" and "was going to sink"?

"Were to sink" presents a hypothetical scenario, while "was going to sink" describes an intention or plan that was supposed to happen, but didn't necessarily occur.