what if

USAGE SUMMARY

"what if" can be used in written English and is often used to express a hypothetical situation
For example, "What if it had rained all day?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What if, what if… ?

Harvard Business Review

What if? What if I hadn't?

The New York Times

What if — what if — Netanyahu is right?

The New York Times

What if Snowden's wrong?

The New Yorker

What if? Why?

Independent

What if he had?

The New Yorker

What if they do?

The New York Times

But what if".

The New York Times

What if he dies?

The New York Times

What if he didn't?

The New York Times

What if you're single?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what if" to introduce scenarios that encourage creative problem-solving or risk assessment.

Common error

While effective for brainstorming, excessive use of "what if" can make formal documents seem speculative and less authoritative. Choose more direct and assertive language when presenting conclusions or recommendations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what if" functions as a conditional interrogative, introducing a hypothetical scenario or question. Ludwig examples showcase its use in exploring possibilities and consequences. Ludwig AI considers this phrase grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what if" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce hypothetical scenarios and questions. As confirmed by Ludwig, it enjoys widespread use across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific discussions and business planning. Its primary function is to prompt speculation and explore potential outcomes. While appropriate in most settings, overuse in formal writing should be avoided. Consider alternatives like "suppose that" or "imagine if" to add nuance. Overall, "what if" remains a powerful tool for critical thinking and creative problem-solving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what would happen if

Expands the phrase to explicitly question the outcome of a hypothetical situation.

imagine if

Emphasizes the act of visualizing a hypothetical scenario.

how about if

Suggests a hypothetical scenario more casually, similar to proposing an idea.

suppose that

Replaces the questioning tone with a more direct assumption.

what if it turned out that

Adds a sense of unexpected revelation to the hypothetical situation.

let's say that

Introduces a hypothetical situation as a basis for discussion.

assuming that

Presents a condition as a starting point for reasoning.

in the event that

Highlights the possibility of a particular situation occurring.

if it were the case that

Introduces a hypothetical scenario with a more formal tone.

on the assumption that

Frames a hypothetical scenario as an underlying belief.

FAQs

How can I use "what if" in a sentence?

Use "what if" to introduce a hypothetical situation or question its potential consequences. For example, "What if we invested in renewable energy?"

What phrases are similar to "what if"?

Alternatives include phrases like "suppose that", "imagine if", or "what would happen if", depending on the desired emphasis and context.

Is it appropriate to start a formal essay with "what if"?

While not inherently incorrect, starting with "what if" can make your essay seem less assertive. Consider using a more direct statement to introduce your topic and thesis, then use "what if" sparingly to explore specific hypothetical scenarios within your analysis.

What's the difference between "what if" and "if"?

"If" introduces a conditional clause in a statement, while "what if" introduces a hypothetical question exploring potential outcomes. "If it rains, we'll stay inside" states a condition and result. "What if it rains?" questions the possible consequences of rain.