Do you ever look at something that happened before and think, “This will happen again”? That is what the phrase “If … is anything to go by” helps you say in English! This phrase is useful when you want to guess about the future by looking at what happened in the past. It’s like saying, “If this is a clue, then I know what will happen next.”
For example, imagine your friend is always late. You can say, “If his past experience is anything to go by, he will be late again today.” This means you believe he will behave the same way based on what you have seen before. Simple, right?
This phrase is helpful in many situations. You can use it to talk about people, weather, events, or even results. For example:
- “If yesterday’s weather is anything to go by, today will be sunny too!”
- “If the last test was hard, this one might be hard too.”
If … Is Anything to Go By
In this lesson, we will explain the meaning, structure, and examples of this idiom. You will also see how to use it in your own sentences. By the end, you will be confident using “If … is anything to go by” in real-life conversations!
It’s a fun and easy way to express your ideas about what might happen. Once you learn this phrase, you will sound more natural when speaking English.
Meaning of “If … is anything to go by”
The idiom “If … is anything to go by” means “if … can be used as an indication or guide.” It is used when we refer to a past experience, observation, or fact to predict or explain a similar outcome in the present or future.
It works like a tool to compare situations: if something has happened before, then it could happen again. For example:
- “If the last exam is anything to go by, the next one will be just as difficult.”
(Here, the speaker assumes that because the last exam was difficult, the upcoming exam will be similar.)
This idiom emphasizes predicting outcomes based on previous trends or behaviors. It is often used with a slightly cautious tone, as the speaker is basing their opinion on limited evidence.
Structure of the “If … Is Anything to Go By”
The structure of this idiom is straightforward:
If + (specific experience/fact/observation) + is anything to go by, + (assumption/prediction).
Here is the breakdown:
- “If” introduces a condition or something to compare.
- (specific experience/fact/observation): This is the thing you are using as an example to make your prediction.
- “is anything to go by”: This phrase connects the example to the prediction.
- (assumption/prediction): This is the opinion or guess you make based on the example.
Examples of “If … is anything to go by”
Let’s go through the examples from the image and add explanations:
- If past experience is anything to go by, he’ll completely ignore our suggestions and then change his mind at the last minute.
- Meaning: Based on what he has done in the past, we can assume he will not listen to our suggestions and will only decide at the last moment.
- If his bad attitude is anything to go by, then he is an awful person.
- Meaning: Judging by his bad attitude, we can conclude that he is not a good person.
- If previous trains are anything to go by, it will be half an hour late.
- Meaning: Since previous trains were delayed, we can predict that this train will also be late by 30 minutes.
- If last week’s programme with Phil Collins is anything to go by, yes we would.
- Meaning: If the show with Phil Collins last week was an indication, then the answer is yes. (The speaker believes something will happen again because it happened previously.)
- If past experience is anything to go by, they’ll be late.
- Meaning: Based on what has happened before, we can assume they will not arrive on time.
These examples highlight how the idiom connects past observations to present predictions.
4 Common Situations to Use This Idiom
You can use “If … is anything to go by” in various situations. Here are some common contexts:
1. Talking About People’s Behavior
When you want to predict someone’s behavior based on what they have done in the past:
- “If his previous work is anything to go by, he will finish this project on time.”
- “If she was rude last time, her attitude today might not be any different.”
2. Making Predictions About Events
When you assume something about a future event based on what happened before:
- “If the weather last week is anything to go by, we’re in for more rain this weekend.”
- “If the last exam was tough, this one will be no easier.”
3. Discussing Results or Outcomes
When outcomes in the past suggest similar results in the future:
- “If last year’s sales are anything to go by, this year will also be profitable.”
- “If the previous elections are anything to go by, turnout might be low again this year.”
4. Making Judgments or Assumptions
When you form an opinion about someone or something based on past evidence:
- “If her cooking last time is anything to go by, tonight’s dinner will be delicious!”
- “If that film’s trailer is anything to go by, it’s going to be a blockbuster.”
Key Notes to Remember
- Tone: The idiom often has a cautious or speculative tone. It suggests a prediction or judgment based on limited evidence, so it is not always 100% certain.
- Example: “If the reviews are anything to go by, this book might be worth reading.”
- Flexibility: You can use the idiom with various subjects – people, events, observations, experiences, or facts.
- Negative Predictions: Sometimes the idiom can be used to make negative assumptions or judgments.
- Example: “If their last performance is anything to go by, this one will be disappointing.”
- Positive Predictions: It can also be used to highlight something positive.
- Example: “If his past success is anything to go by, he’ll win the competition.”
Practice Exercise
Fill in the blanks with appropriate words to complete the sentences:
- If ___________ is anything to go by, this year’s festival will be just as exciting.
- If ___________ is anything to go by, we can expect another delay.
- If ___________ is anything to go by, she is a very hardworking person.
- If ___________ is anything to go by, tomorrow’s weather will be sunny and clear.
- If ___________ is anything to go by, the team will perform brilliantly this season.
Final Thoughts
The idiom “If … is anything to go by” is an excellent tool to express assumptions and predictions in English. By connecting past observations to future outcomes, you can communicate your thoughts effectively in various situations.
To master this idiom:
- Practice using it with real-life examples.
- Use it in conversations where you want to predict or judge outcomes.
- Remember its flexible structure and tone.
Now that you understand this idiom, try writing a few sentences of your own using “If … is anything to go by.” Practice will make you more confident!
Example Sentences Recap:
- If past experience is anything to go by, they’ll be late.
- If his bad attitude is anything to go by, then he is an awful person.
- If previous trains are anything to go by, it will be half an hour late.
- If last week’s program is anything to go by, we will get a lot of questions.
Happy learning!
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