| 释义 |
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2024if /ɪf/USA pronunciation conj. - The word[if]is used with a clause to mean "in case that;
granting or supposing that;
on condition that.'' - It is used with most tenses of verbs to describe two events, one depending on the other:If you have no electricity, the computer doesn't work.
- It is used to describe two connected events that will occur in the future. The verb in the if clause does not take will or shall, but the main clause verb does:If we have enough money, we will send you to a good college (not: If we will have enough money...).
- The word[if]is used to mean "in case that;
supposing that,'' when describing an unreal or imaginary situation. Special verb tenses are used. - for unreal or imaginary present time situations. The structure is: the past tense in the if clause + the modal verb would with the main verb:If I were you, I wouldn't worry. If I had lots of money I would buy you a nice house.
- for unreal or imaginary past time situations. The structure is: had + the past participle form in the if clause + the modal verb would, and have, and the past participle of the main verb:If she had worked harder on the drums, she would have played for that band. If I had only started sooner, I would have finished the book by now.
- The word if is used to mean "even though:''It was an enthusiastic, if small, audience.
- The word if is used to mean "whether'' in structures of indirect speech, after such verbs as ask, wonder, tell, know, and certain others:She asked if I spoke Spanish. I wonder if she will be able to come with us.
- The word if is used to indicate politeness by the speaker:If you will, please come forward and stand by my side. If you would just step this way, madam, we'll help you right away.
- The word if is used to introduce a phrase that the speaker wishes could be true at the moment:If only Dad could see me now!
- The word if is used to mean "that'':I'm sorry if you don't agree.
n. [countable] - an uncertain possibility.
- a condition:There are too many ifs in his agreement.
Idioms- Idioms ifs, ands, or buts, [usually with a negative word] reasons or excuses given:You'd better have this finished on time, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2024if (if ),USA pronunciation conj. - in case that;
granting or supposing that;
on condition that:Sing if you want to. Stay indoors if it rains. I'll go if you do. - even though:an enthusiastic if small audience.
- whether:He asked if I knew Spanish.
- (used to introduce an exclamatory phrase):If only Dad could see me now!
- when or whenever:If it was raining, we had to play inside.
n. - a supposition;
uncertain possibility:The future is full of ifs. - a condition, requirement, or stipulation:There are too many ifs in his agreement.
- Idioms ifs, ands, or buts, reservations, restrictions, or excuses:I want that job finished today, and no ifs, ands, or buts.
- bef. 900; Middle English, variant of yif, Old English gif, gef; akin to Old Norse ef if, Gothic ibai whether, Old High German iba condition, stipulation
- 1, 2.See corresponding entry in Unabridged If, provided, providing imply a condition on which something depends. If is general. It may be used to indicate suppositions or hypothetical conditions (often involving doubt or uncertainty):If you like, we can go straight home. If I had known, I wouldn't have gone.If may mean even though:If I am wrong, you are not right.It may mean whenever:If I do not understand, I ask questions.Provided always indicates some stipulation:I will subscribe ten dollars provided(on the condition) that you do, too. Provided he goes, we can go along. Providing means the same as provided, that is, just in case some certain thing should happen:We will buy the house, providing( provided) we can get a mortgage.
If meaning "whether,'' as in I haven't decided if I'll go, is sometimes criticized, but the usage has been established in standard English for a long time. if, [Radio.]- Radio and Television, PronounsSee intermediate frequency.
Also, IF Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers:: if /ɪf/ conj (subordinating)- in case that, or on condition that: if you try hard it might work, if he were poor, would you marry him?
- used to introduce an indirect question. In this sense, if approaches the meaning of whether
- even though: an attractive if awkward girl
- used to introduce expressions of desire, with only: if I had only known
- used to introduce exclamations of surprise, dismay, etc: if this doesn't top everything!
n - an uncertainty or doubt: the big if is whether our plan will work at all
- a condition or stipulation: I won't have any ifs or buts
Etymology: Old English gif; related to Old Saxon ef if, Old High German iba whether, if Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers:: IF, i.f. abbreviation for - intermediate frequency
|