if
conjunction /ɪf/
/ɪf/
Idioms - used to say that one thing can, will or might happen or be true, depending on another thing happening or being true
- If you see him, give him this note.
- I'll only stay if you offer me more money.
- If necessary I can come at once.
- You can stay for the weekend if you like.
- If anyone calls, tell them I'm not at home.
- If he improved his IT skills, he'd (= he would) easily get a job.
- You would know what was going on if you'd (= you had) listened.
- They would have been here by now if they'd caught the early train.
- If I was in charge, I'd do things differently.
- (rather formal) If I were in charge…
- when; whenever; every time
- If metal gets hot it expands.
- She glares at me if I go near her desk.
- used after ask, know, find out, wonder, etc. to introduce one of two or more possibilities synonym whether
- Do you know if he's married?
- I wonder if I should wear a coat or not.
- He couldn't tell if she was laughing or crying.
- Listen to the tune and see if you can remember the words.
Grammar Point if / whetherif / whether- Both if and whether are used in reporting questions which expect ‘yes’ or ‘no’ as the answer:
- She asked if/whether I wanted a drink.,
- We didn’t know if/whether we should write or phone.
- used after verbs or adjectives expressing feelings
- I am sorry if I disturbed you.
- I'd be grateful if you would keep it a secret.
- Do you mind if I turn the TV off?
- used to admit that something is possible, but to say that it is not very important
- If she has any weakness, it is her Italian.
- So what if he was late. Who cares?
- used to ask somebody to listen to your opinion
- If you ask me, she's too scared to do it.
- If you think about it, those children must be at school by now.
- If you remember, Mary was always fond of animals.
- used before an adjective to introduce a contrast
- He's a good driver, if a little over-confident.
- We'll only do it once—if at all.
- (formal) used with will or would to ask somebody politely to do something
- If you will sit down for a few moments, I'll tell the manager you're here.
- If you would care to leave your name, we'll contact you as soon as possible.
- used before could, may or might to suggest something or to interrupt somebody politely
- If I may make a suggestion, perhaps we could begin a little earlier next week.
Word OriginOld English gif, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch of and German ob.
Idioms
even if
- despite the possibility that; no matter whether
- I'll get there, even if I have to walk.
- despite the fact that; even though
- He is a great leader, even if he has many enemies.
if and when
- used to say something about an event that may or may not happen
- If and when we ever meet again I hope he remembers what I did for him.
if anything
- used to express an opinion about something, or after a negative statement to suggest that the opposite is true
- I'd say he was more like his father, if anything.
- She's not thin—if anything she's on the plump side.
if I were you
- used to give somebody advice
- If I were you I'd start looking for another job.
if not
- used to introduce a different suggestion, after a sentence with if
- I'll go if you're going. If not (= if you are not), I'd rather stay at home.
- used after a yes/no question to say what will or should happen if the answer is ‘no’
- Are you ready? If not, I'm going without you.
- Do you want that cake? If not, I'll have it.
- used to suggest that something may be even larger, more important, etc. than was first stated
- They cost thousands if not millions of pounds to build.
if only
- used to say that you wish something was true or that something had happened
- If only I were rich.
- If only I knew her name.
- If only he'd remembered to send that letter.
- If only I had gone by taxi.
if so
- if that is the case
- Do you do research in your studies? If so, what research methods do you use?
it’s not as if
- used to say that something that is happening is surprising
- I'm surprised they've invited me to their wedding—it's not as if I know them well.
only if
- (rather formal) used to state the only situation in which something can happen
- Only if a teacher has given permission is a student allowed to leave the room.
- Only if the red light comes on is there any danger to employees.