what if then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what if then" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a hypothetical scenario or to suggest a consequence based on a previous statement or condition. Example: "What if then we decided to change our approach to the project? Would that yield better results?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Another what if, then.

The Guardian - Sport

"What if," then, the new pope were to be Italian?

The New York Times

What if? Then perhaps (the heart wants) for those who'd known so much of it, death was an acceptable, almost familiar toll.

The New York Times - Books

But what if, then, in Act II — " "No," Pam said in a voice that made Paul wonder if she were quite as oblivious as he'd thought.

The New Yorker

What if then it had been a Democrat who'd questioned McCain's heroism or mocked a person with a disability in front of a cheering crowd?

Huffington Post

What if? Then I spend six hours on a Friday night dancing in a damp, derelict building, and I feel revitalized.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

If you distract yourself with the what-ifs then you aren't doing your job.

Independent

Start by creating a long list of what-ifs, then flesh out the ones with the most promise.

WikiHow

If P reduces neither to T nor F, then we cannot in general say what if-P-then-A-else-B is.

SEP

"I often sit and wonder 'What if?' and then I think of all the things I've got instead.

Independent

It's a similar concept to what If This Then That (IFTTT) is chasing.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what if then" to clearly articulate a hypothetical situation and its immediate consequence, ensuring the connection between the two is evident to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "what if then" for scenarios with multiple layers of conditions or extended consequences. This phrase is best suited for direct cause-and-effect relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what if then" introduces a hypothetical scenario and explores its immediate consequence. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is usable and correct in written English. The examples show it prompting reflection on potential outcomes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what if then" is a grammatically sound phrase employed to explore hypothetical scenarios and their immediate consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is usable in written English and suitable for a variety of contexts, especially news and general discussions. While grammatically correct and understandable, it's advisable to use it sparingly in formal writing, opting for alternatives when a more sophisticated tone is desired. The examples extracted by Ludwig highlight its function in prompting reflection and decision-making by weighing the immediate effect of a condition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Given this condition, what is the consequence

Focuses on a specific condition and asks about its direct consequences.

If so, then what are the implications

Highlights a condition and probes the resulting consequences.

If this occurs, then what is the effect

Poses a situation and questions its impact or effect.

What happens if that's the case

Rephrases the condition, focusing on the outcome of a specific situation.

If that is so, then what comes next

Expresses a scenario and asks what the subsequent steps or events will be.

Assuming that's the situation, what results

Starts with an assumption and inquires about the outcomes.

In that scenario, what follows

Emphasizes a specific scenario and questions the subsequent events.

If that were to happen, what would ensue

Highlights a hypothetical event and wonders about what would follow.

Supposing that's true, what's next

Presents a supposition and asks about the immediate next steps.

What if this were to occur

It condenses the phrase while maintaining the hypothetical inquiry.

FAQs

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

The phrase "what if then" is used to explore a hypothetical situation and its immediate consequence. For example, "What if then it had been a Democrat who'd questioned McCain's heroism?"

What are some alternatives to "what if then"?

Alternatives include phrases like "if so then", "in that case what", or rephrasing with a direct conditional statement.

Is it grammatically correct to say "what if then"?

Yes, "what if then" is grammatically correct, although it is more informal. It's often used to set up a hypothetical scenario and ask about the consequence. In some contexts, more formal phrasing might be preferred.

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

The phrase "what if" introduces a hypothetical situation. Adding "then" emphasizes the immediate consequence or next step following that situation. "What if then" directly links the condition to its result.