if

IF

abbr. intermediate frequency

if

I0025000 (ĭf) conj. 1. a. In the event that: If I were to go, I would be late. b. Granting that: If that is true, what should we do? c. On the condition that: She will play the piano only if she is paid. 2. Although possibly; even though: It is a handsome if useless trinket. 3. Whether: Ask if he plans to come to the meeting. 4. Used to introduce an exclamatory clause, indicating a wish: If they had only come earlier! n. A possibility, condition, or stipulation: There will be no ifs, ands, or buts in this matter.

[Middle English, from Old English gif; see i- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] Usage Note: Many conditional (if ... then) constructions seem bewilderingly picky about which tenses, moods, and auxiliaries may go into them, particularly those that have to do with a counterfactual or make-believe world—one that the writer thinks is likely to be false but whose implications are worth exploring. But the grammatical requirements for such counterfactual sentences are quite straightforward: 1. The if-clause must have a verb in the conditional subjunctive mood (which many linguists call by the Latin name irrealis to distinguish it from the ordinary English subjunctive). When referring to situations in the present, this mood is identical to the preterite or past-tense form (If you danced better ... ) except for the verb be, whose irrealis is were rather than was (If he were rich ... ). When a writer wants to refer to a situation that hypothetically could have occurred in the past, a more remote past form must be used—the past perfect or the pluperfect (If you had danced better ... ; If he had been rich ... ). 2. The then-clause must contain would or a similar modal auxiliary such as could, should, or might. A large percentage of the Usage Panel disapproves of past counterfactual constructions using did rather than had: in 2011, 74 percent disliked If I didn't have my seatbelt on, I'd be dead, and 89 percent found it unacceptable to say If he didn't come to America, our team never would have won the championship. Forms using would have are somewhat more acceptable: the sentence If she would have only listened to me, this never would have happened was acceptable to 33 percent of the Panel in 2016. · When the situation described by an if clause is not presupposed to be false, that clause must contain an indicative verb: If Kevin was out sick yesterday, he will probably work late today. Note also that the presence of the modal verb would in the main clause should not be taken as a sign that the verb in the if clause must be in the subjunctive, if the content of that clause is not presupposed to be false: He would always call the office if he was (not were) going to be late for work. · According to the traditional rule, the subjunctive is not used following verbs such as ask or wonder in if clauses that express indirect questions, even if the content of the question is presumed to be contrary to fact: We wondered if dinner was (not were) included in the room price. · With all deference to the traditional rules, it should be noted that a survey of the prose of reputable writers over the past 200 years would reveal a persistent tendency to use the indicative was where the traditional rule would require the subjunctive were. A sentence beginning If I was the only boy in the world, while not strictly correct, is wholly unremarkable. · In informal writing both if and whether are standard in their use to introduce a clause indicating uncertainty after a verb such as ask, doubt, know, learn, or see: We shall soon learn whether (or if) it is true. In such contexts, however, the use of if can sometimes create ambiguities. Depending on the intended meaning, the sentence Let her know if she is invited might be better paraphrased as Let her know whether she is invited or If she is invited, let her know. · When used as a coordinator, the phrase if not always signals a contrast, but it can have almost contradictory meanings, depending on the context. Sometimes it can mean "but not," as in She won her team's admiration, if not its award, for her performance in the playoffs and The board was encouraged, if not convinced, by the budgetary projections. At other times, especially when there is a comparison of two adjectives or noun phrases in which the second represents a significant increase in degree above the first, if not usually means "and even," as in This job will be difficult, if not impossible and The law practice includes clients from all over the state, if not the country. Since many sentences of this kind can be interpreted one way or the other, it is important that the context make clear what sort of contrast is being indicated by if not. See Usage Notes at doubt, should, wish.

if

(ɪf) conj (subordinating) 1. in case that, or on condition that: if you try hard it might work; if he were poor, would you marry him?. 2. used to introduce an indirect question. In this sense, if approaches the meaning of whether3. even though: an attractive if awkward girl. 4. a. used to introduce expressions of desire, with only: if I had only known. b. used to introduce exclamations of surprise, dismay, etc: if this doesn't top everything!. 5. as if as it would be if; as though: he treats me as if I were junior to him. n6. an uncertainty or doubt: the big if is whether our plan will work at all. 7. a condition or stipulation: I won't have any ifs or buts. [Old English gif; related to Old Saxon ef if, Old High German iba whether, if]

IF

i.f.

abbreviation for (Electronics) intermediate frequency

if

(ɪf)

conj. 1. in case that; granting or supposing that; on condition that: If I were you, I wouldn't worry. I'll go if you do. 2. even though: an enthusiastic if small audience. 3. whether: She asked if I knew Spanish. 4. (used to introduce an exclamatory phrase): If only Dad could see me now! 5. that: I'm sorry if you don't agree. n. 6. a supposition; uncertain possibility. 7. a condition or stipulation: There are too many ifs in his agreement. Idioms: ifs, ands, or buts, qualifications or excuses. [before 900; Middle English, variant of yif, Old English gif, gef] usage: if meaning “whether,” as in I haven't decided if I'll go, is sometimes criticized, but the usage has been standard in English for a long time and is found in Shakespeare, Dryden, and the King James Bible.

if

1. possible situations

You use if to introduce a conditional clause in which you mention a possible situation.

If you get tired, have a rest.If the machine stops working, call this number.

You can use if to mention a situation that might exist in the future. In the conditional clause, you use the present simple form. Don't use a future form.

If all goes well, we will arrive by lunchtime.If you make a mistake, you will have to start again.

You sometimes use if in a conditional clause to suggest that someone does something. You usually use the present simple in the conditional clause.

If you turn to page 15, you will see a list of questions.

You can use if to mention a situation that sometimes existed in the past. You usually use the past simple in the conditional clause.

They ate outside if it was sunny.If we had enough money, we used to go to the cinema.

You can also use if to mention something that might have happened in the past, but did not in fact happen. In the conditional clause, you use the past perfect. Don't use the past simple.

If he had known the truth, he would have run away.If they had not met, this book would never have been written.2. unlikely situations

You also use if in conditional clauses to mention situations that do not exist, or events that are unlikely to happen. In the conditional clause, you use the past simple. Don't use a present tense.

They would find it difficult to get a job if they left the farm.If she wanted to, she could be a dancer.

In formal writing, when the subject of the conditional clause is I, he, she, it, there, or a singular noun, you use were in the clause instead of 'was'.

If a problem were to arise, she would be able to resolve it.Employees would be more productive if better resources were provided.

In conversation or informal writing people usually use was (except in the expression If I were you).

If I was a painter, I'd paint this garden.We would prefer it if the test was a bit easier.

Sometimes was is used in formal writing too, but this is considered incorrect by many people.

3. in reported questions

If is also used in reported questions.

I asked her if I could help her.I wonder if you understand what I mean.

Thesaurus

if

conjunction1. provided, assuming, given that, providing, allowing, admitting, supposing, granting, in case, presuming, on the assumption that, on condition that, as long as If you would like to make a donation, please enclose a cheque.2. when, whenever, every time, any time She gets very upset if I exclude her from anything.3. whether He asked if I had left with you, and I said no.4. though, but, yet, although, albeit, despite being It was beautiful inside, if rather unhomely.noun1. doubt, condition, uncertainty, provision, constraint, hesitation, vagueness, stipulation This business is full of ifs.Proverbs
"If ifs and ands were pots and pans there'd be no need for tinkers"

Translations

如果尽管无论何时是否假如

if

(if) conjunction1. in the event that; on condition that. He will have to go into hospital if his illness gets any worse; I'll only stay if you can stay too. （表示条件）如果 2. supposing that. If he were to come along now, we would be in trouble.假如3. whenever. If I sneeze, my nose bleeds.无论何时4. although. They are happy, if poor.尽管5. whether. I don't know if I can come or not.是否if ˈonly I wish that. If only I were rich! 要是...就好，我希望

if

→ 如果zhCN

See:

(I) don't care if I do
(I) don't mind if I do
(if the) truth be known
(if the) truth be told
(if you) sing before breakfast, (you'll) cry before night
(if you) sing before breakfast, (you'll) cry before supper
(I'll be) hanged if I know!
(the good) Lord willing and the creek don't rise
arm and a leg
as if
as if (one) owns the place
as if (one's) life depends on it
as if I care
As if I care!
as if someone owns the place
as if that were not enough
as if the sun shines out (someone's) backside
as if there was no tomorrow
as if there was/were no tomorrow
as if there's no tomorrow
as if you own the place
As if!
as if/as though
as/if/when the spirit moves you
be damned if you do and damned if you don't
better mousetrap, (if one can) build a
butter wouldn't melt (in his/her mouth), looks as if
butter wouldn't melt in one's mouth
coming or going, not know if one is
Could I join you?
damned if (one) does and damned if (one) doesn't
damned if I do and damned if I don't
damned if I do, damned if I don't
damned if I know
damned if I/you/they do, damned if I/you don't
damned if you do and damned if you don't
damned if you do, damned if you don't
do something as if/like there's no tomorrow
don't care if I do
don't come running to me if you break your leg
don't mind if I do
even if it kills me
even if only
even if/though
even though
feel as if a cat has kittened in (one's) mouth
for all it's worth
for all the world as if (someone or something)
for all the world as if/though...
for all the world as though (someone or something)
have (one's) druthers
How would you like it?
I don't mind if I do
I shouldn't wonder
if (one) can help it
if (one) is a day
if (one) knows what's good for (one)
if (one's) a day
if (one's) life depended on it
if (something) catches a cold, (something else) gets pneumonia
if (something) sneezes, (something else) catches a cold
if (the) word gets out
if (the) worst comes to (the) worst
if a day
if a thing is worth doing, it's worth doing well
if a toady frog had wings, he wouldn't bump his ass
if all else fails
if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail
if and when
if anything
if anything can go wrong, it will
if anything happens
if anything should happen
if at first you don't succeed, try, try again
if ever there was
if frogs had wheels, they wouldn't bump their butts
if God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent Him
if he is a day
if he's, she's, etc. a day
If I knew you were coming, I'd have baked a cake
if I was/were in your place
if I were in your place
if I were you
if I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times
if ifs and ands were pots and pans
if I'm honest
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it
If it ain’t broke, fix it till it is
if it ain't broke
if it ain't broke don't fix it
if it ain't broke, don't fix it
if it ain't broke, fix it till it is
If it ain't chickens, it's feathers
if it comes to the crunch
if it comes to the point
if it hadn't been for (someone or something)
if it kills (one)
if it kills you
if it looks like a duck and walks like a duck, it is a duck
If it was a snake it woulda bit you
if it was a snake, it would've bit you
if it wasn't/weren't for...
if it weren't for (someone or something)
if it's all the same
if it's not one thing, it's another!
if I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times
if looks could kill
if looks could kill...
if memory serves
if Mohammed will not go to the mountain
if my memory serves me correctly
if my memory serves me well, correctly, etc.
if need be
if needs be
if not
if not now, when?
if nothing else
if one knows what’s good for one
if one knows what's good for one
if one’s a day
if only
if pigs had wings
if pigs had wings, they would/could fly
if push comes to shove
if so
If that don't beat a pig a-pecking!
if that don't beat all
If that don't beat all!
if that don't fuck all
if the cap fits
if the cap fits(, wear it)
if the cap fits, wear it
if the going gets rough
if the going gets tough
if the hat fits(, wear it)
If the mountain will not come to Mahomet, Mahomet must go to the ...
if the mountain will not come to Mohammed
if the mountain will not come to Mohammed...
if the mountain won't come to Muhammad, Muhammad must go to the mounta
If the shoe fits
if the shoe fits(, wear it)
if the shoe fits, wear it
if the spirit moves (one)
if the truth were known
if the worst comes to the worst
if there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask
if there's grass on the field, play ball
if there's grass on the pitch, play ball
if truth be known/told
if truth be told
if two ride on a horse, one must ride behind
if wishes were horses
if wishes were horses, (then) beggars might ride
if wishes were horses, (then) beggars would ride
if wishes were horses, beggars would ride
if wishes were horses, beggars would/might ride
If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride
if worst comes to worst
if you ask me
if you believe that, you'll believe anything
If you can’t stand the heat, keep out of the kitchen
if you can't be good, be careful
if you can't beat 'em
if you can't beat 'em, join 'em
If you can't beat them, join them
if you can't do the time, don't do the crime
if you can't stand the heat
if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen
if you can't stand the heat, keep out of the kitchen
if you don't like it, lump it
if you don't make mistakes, you don't make anything
if you don't mind
if you don't mind me saying (so)
if you don't mind me/my saying so...
if you don't mind my saying (so)
If you don't mind!
if you don't see what you want, just ask (for it)
If you don't see what you want, please ask
if you don't see what you want, please ask (for it)
if you get my drift
if you have a mind to (do something)
if you know what's good for you
if you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas
if you lie with dogs, you will get fleas
if you like
if you must
if you must (do something)
if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys
If you play with fire, you get burned
If you play with fire, you get burnt
if you please
if you run after two hares, you will catch neither
if you think about it
If you want a thing done well, do it yourself
if you want a thing done well/right, do it yourself
if you want peace, (you must) prepare for war
If you want peace, prepare for war
if you want something done well/right, do it yourself
if you will
if you would be well served, serve yourself
if you would(, please)
if you’ll pardon the expression
if you'll pardon the expression
if you're born to be hanged, then you'll never be drowned
if you've a mind to do
if you've got it, flaunt it
if/when it comes to the crunch
if/when it comes to the point
if/when push comes to shove
if/when you think about it
ifs and/or buts
ifs, ands, or buts
I'll be damned if I (do something)
I'll be hanged
I'll be hanged if I (do something)
I'm be damned if I (do something)
I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't
I'm hanged if I know!
I'm/I'll be damned if...
in the unlikely event of
it isn't as if/as though
it isn't as though
knuck if you buck
like it or lump it
look as if (one) has seen a ghost
look as if butter wouldn't melt in (one's) mouth
look as if butter wouldn't melt in mouth
look as if butter wouldn't melt in your mouth
look as if you have seen a ghost
look daggers at, to
make as if
make as if to (do something)
make as if to do
make as if to do something
nice work if you can get it
no ifs and buts (about it)
no ifs or buts
no ifs or buts (about it)
no ifs, ands, or buts
no ifs, ands, or buts (about it)
no ifs, ands, or buts and no buts about it
not if I can help it
not if I see you first
not if I see you sooner
Not if I see you sooner, and Not if I see you first
not if one can help it
not if you paid me
not know (any) better
not know if (one) is afoot or on horseback
not know if (one) is coming or going
not know if you are coming or going
not know whether (one) is coming or going
not know whether one is coming or going and not know if one is ...
nothing if not
nothing if not (something)
nothing if not something
only if
opportunity knocks
push comes to shove, if
push comes to shove, if/when
run up
see if I care
See if I care!
seen one, seen them all, if/when you've
sound as if
sound as if (something)
spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, the
what if
What if I do?
What if I don't?
What if...?
What would you say if...?
when it comes to
when it comes to the crunch
when it comes to the point
when push comes to shove
when the going gets tough
when you think about it
wonder if
would if I could
wouldn't if I were you
wouldn't know (something) if (one) fell over one
wouldn't know (something) if it hit (one) in the face
wouldn't shout if a shark bit him
Write if you get work
You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours
you've got another thing coming
you've got another think coming

Acronym	Definition
IF➣Intermediate Frequency (radio/communications systems)
IF➣In Fact
IF➣International Falls (city on the Minnesota/Canada border)
IF➣India Forum (India)
IF➣Interactive Fire (insurance)
IF➣Interactive Fiction
IF➣Involved Field (radiotherapy)
IF➣Industrial Facilities
IF➣Institute for the Future
IF➣Industrial Fund
IF➣Interface
IF➣Input File (Linux command line)
IF➣Information Flow
IF➣Integrated Farm
IF➣Impact Factor
IF➣Integration Facility
IF➣Intelligence Flight
IF➣Intelligent Finance (Halifax Group)
IF➣International Federation (sports)
IF➣Interaction Forum
IF➣Intelligence Fusion
IF➣Integration Framework
IF➣Immediate Frequency
IF➣Intermediate Fix
IF➣Ice Fog
IF➣International Fleet (game and book)
IF➣Internal Focusing
IF➣Internal Flush
IF➣Interference (Dutch electro artist)
IF➣Indirect Fire
IF➣In Flames (band)
IF➣Isolation Filter
IF➣Isolation Function
IF➣Initiation Factor
IF➣Interference Filter
IF➣Instruction Fetch
IF➣Internally Flawless (2nd highest quality of diamond)
IF➣Infertility
IF➣Internal Fixation
IF➣Intermittent Fasting (dieting)
IF➣Intrinsic Factor
IF➣Incremental Funding
IF➣Information Directorate (at AFRL)
IF➣Instantaneous Frequency
IF➣Intermediate Filament (genetics)
IF➣Idaho Falls (Idaho)
IF➣Intrinsically Funny
IF➣Infield (baseball/softball)
IF➣Interstitial Fluid
IF➣Interferon
IF➣Infielder
IF➣Ironforge (World of Warcraft city)
IF➣Immunofluorescence
IF➣InvisionFree (Invision Power Board)
IF➣Intermediate Filament (cytoskeletal component)
IF➣Induction Furnace (metal melting)
IF➣Ifosfamide
IF➣Independent Force
IF➣International Fleet (Ender's Game novel)
IF➣Interrupt Flag
IF➣Indemnité Forfaitaire (French: Liquidated Damage)
IF➣Instant Form (software)
IF➣Interferential Stimulation
IF➣Interference Field
IF➣Intruders Foundation
IF➣Intake Fraction (the fraction of a pollutant which is inhaled by humans)
IF➣Interface Freeze
IF➣Intrinsic Free (steel)
IF➣Infra-Free
IF➣Intermediate Forward
IF➣Inland Fetch (line)
IF➣Ingenico Fortronic Ltd
IF➣Intelligent Field Co., Ltd. (Japan)
IF➣Intercept and Broadcast (US Navy)
IF➣Internationally Flawless (diamonds)

all
conj
noun

Synonyms for if

conj provided

Synonyms

provided
assuming
given that
providing
allowing
admitting
supposing
granting
in case
presuming
on the assumption that
on condition that
as long as

conj when

Synonyms

when
whenever
every time
any time

conj whether

Synonyms

whether

conj though

Synonyms

though
but
yet
although
albeit
despite being

noun doubt

Synonyms

doubt
condition
uncertainty
provision
constraint
hesitation
vagueness
stipulation