what if we

USAGE SUMMARY

"What if we" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are making a hypothetical suggestion to another person. For example, "What if we try playing a different game?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What if we slip up?

The New Yorker

What if we hadn't won?

Independent

But what if we weren't?

Independent

What if we can't?

Princeton University

What if we fail?

The Guardian

What if we had gotten terrible reviews?

The New Yorker

What if we have already had Lasik?

The New York Times - Sports

What if we simply automated good behavior?

The New York Times

What if we have it backward?

The New York Times

What if we had less of everything?

The New Yorker

What if we said something stupid?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what if we" to introduce hypothetical scenarios when exploring possibilities, potential solutions, or thought experiments.

Common error

While "what if we" is suitable for general use, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated phrasing like "suppose we were to" or "in the event that we" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what if we" primarily functions as an interrogative conditional clause, introducing a hypothetical scenario for consideration. Ludwig confirms this is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what if we" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce hypothetical scenarios, prompt discussion, and explore potential outcomes across a variety of contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. While generally neutral, it may be more appropriate to use slightly more formal alternatives in professional or academic writing. Its prevalence in news and media reflects its common usage in considering possible futures and outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what happens if we

Focuses on the potential consequences or outcomes of a particular action or situation.

let's say we

Introduces a scenario as a basis for discussion or planning, often in a more casual context.

imagine if we

Highlights the act of visualizing a scenario, making it more vivid and imaginative.

how about if we

Offers a suggestion or alternative, often in a more informal or conversational setting.

suppose we were to

Emphasizes a hypothetical condition, often implying a degree of unlikelihood or speculation.

assuming that we

Poses a hypothetical situation as a condition for a following statement or outcome.

if we were to consider

Adds a layer of contemplation and deliberate thought to a hypothetical scenario.

in the event that we

Suggests a plan or action contingent upon a specific, potentially uncertain circumstance.

if we should

Expresses a hypothetical condition with a slightly more formal or tentative tone.

on the assumption that we

Introduces a statement based on a premise that might or might not be true.

FAQs

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

Use "what if we" to introduce a hypothetical question or scenario. For example, "What if we tried a different approach?" or "What if we missed the deadline?"

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

"What if we" is generally more common and conversational, while "suppose we" can sound slightly more formal or contemplative. Both introduce hypothetical scenarios.

What can I say instead of "what if we" to sound more professional?

For a more professional tone, consider using alternatives such as "in the event that we", "assuming that we", or "should we" depending on the specific context.

Is "what if we" grammatically correct?

Yes, "what if we" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English. It introduces a conditional clause expressing a hypothetical situation.