Guide 204 / 221 3 alternatives 2-minute read
Better ways to say “In the event that”
"If."
i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler
A four-word version of "if." Survives in legal contracts; flagged everywhere else.
ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo
Before
In the event that the build fails, alert the on-call.
After
If the build fails, alert the on-call.
iii · The alternatives3 ways out
- 01If neutral
almost always
If the build fails, alert the on-call.
- 02Should formal
inversion form
Should the build fail, alert the on-call.
- 03When neutral
when failure is expected
When the build fails, alert the on-call.
iv · Brew tipKeep this one
"In the event that" → "if."