On Wikipedia, if is a common English conjunction that often signals conditional statements, hypothetical scenarios, and article titles. This evergreen explainer clarifies how Wikipedia treats the word if in article titles, content, and sourcing, focusing on notability, verifiability, neutrality, and editorial style. It provides editors with durable guidance for handling conditional language, disambiguation, and article scope. The guidance below reflects long-standing policies and community practice rather than time-sensitive events, making it suitable as a lasting reference for contributors.
Summary and scope
This profile explains how Wikipedia treats if-related topics, including conditional phrasing, titles containing if, and the notability of subjects tied to hypotheticals. It covers appropriate sourcing, neutrality concerns, and when a topic may meet inclusion criteria. The guidance applies broadly to many articles and talk pages, supporting consistent, verifiable content. Readers will learn when to apply caution with speculative language and how to structure articles that involve conditional or hypothetical scenarios.
Notability and inclusion criteria
Wikipedia requires reliable, secondary sources showing significant coverage for an article to be considered notable. The presence of if in a title or topic does not, by itself, determine notability; instead, editors must assess whether the subject has received independent, reliable coverage. When if introduces hypothetical or conditional scenarios, the topic may lack standalone notability unless it is tied to a real-world event, person, or entity that meets Wikipedia’s notability guidelines. General or speculative discussions are unlikely to meet inclusion standards.
Consider the following when evaluating notability:
- Whether the subject has received coverage in reliable, independent sources.
- Whether the phrase if is used to frame a conditional, hypothetical, or predictive scenario.
- Whether the topic is part of a broader notable article or event.
Notability factors for if-related topics
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Title includes if | Not inherently notable; context-dependent | WP:NOTABILITY guidance |
| Conditional or hypothetical claims | Require reliable sourcing and clear scope | WP:VERIFIABILITY and WP:NPOV |
| Part of broader notable subject | May be includable within larger article | WP:INDEPENDENT sources required |
Sourcing and verifiability
Content involving if must be supported by reliable, secondary sources. Conditional statements, predictions, or hypotheticals should not be presented as fact without clear attribution. Inline citations are required for any claims that could be challenged or that readers might reasonably seek verification for. When sources use conditional language (e.g., might, could, if), editors should preserve that language or attribute it explicitly. This practice upholds verifiability and prevents original research.
Useful source types for conditional content
- Reputable news articles that report on speculative scenarios.
- Academic analyses discussing hypotheses or conditional outcomes.
- Official documents that frame policies or plans using conditional terms.
Neutrality and language
Articles containing if must maintain a neutral point of view. Avoid framing conditional scenarios as likely or inevitable unless the source does so. Use cautious, attributive phrasing such as according to or as noted by, and provide inline citations. Speculation should be clearly bounded and attributed to the source making the claim. This preserves Wikipedia’s encyclopedic tone and supports objective reader understanding.
Style and grammar guidance
In article titles and prose, if is generally lowercased unless it begins a sentence or is part of a proper title. Follow Wikipedia’s Manual of Style for capitalization, punctuation, and formatting. In prose, use standard conditional grammar; avoid informal or ambiguous constructions. When discussing conditional scenarios, define the scope and boundaries clearly so readers understand what is being hypothesized and why. Consistent style improves readability and reduces disputes during peer review.
Disambiguation and redirects
Titles containing if may require disambiguation pages when multiple notable topics share similar names. If a specific use of if is uncommon, consider whether a redirect from a more descriptive title is appropriate. Editors should verify subject overlap and community consensus before creating or moving pages. When in doubt, seek broader input on talk pages to ensure clarity and avoid confusion for readers and editors.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Do not treat conditional or hypothetical scenarios as established fact.
- Avoid presenting speculative predictions without clear sourcing and attribution.
- Ensure that articles with if in the title are truly distinct subjects, not fragments of larger topics.
- Flag content that relies heavily on conjecture for additional sourcing or consider proposing deletion if no reliable sources exist.