if

if1 [ ıf ] conjunction ***

1. ) => NOTE in a possible or imagined situation

a ) used for introducing a situation that may happen or may be real, especially when talking about its results:

If we miss the last bus, we'll have to walk home.

If anyone has found a bunch of keys, would they please leave them on my desk.

if you want/like: You can come and stay with us if you want.

if so (=if this is true): Are you planning to return to work, and if so, who is going to take care of the baby?

if not (=if this is not true): Has anyone dealt with the technical problems? And if not, why not?

if necessary/if possible (=if it is necessary/possible): We are ready to fight for our rights if necessary.

I'd like to be back here by 10:30 if possible.

b ) used for introducing a situation or condition that must exist before something else happens:

Okay I'll come with you if you'll promise not to go too fast.

only if: The rebels say they are ready to stop fighting, but only if the prisoners are released.

c ) used for introducing a situation that does not exist now and is unlikely or impossible, especially when talking about its imaginary results:

If Luke paid more attention in class, he would get better results.

If Freud were alive today, he would approve of our methods.

If anyone were to complain, I would merely tell them to write to the manager.

If you happen to see Diane, would you give her a message?

even if: I'd never sell this painting, even if they offered me a million dollars.

d ) used for introducing a situation that might have existed in the past but did not exist, especially when talking about what its results might have been:

If I'd known you were coming, I would have made supper for you.

If the new safety system had been in use, the accident would never have happened.

e ) what if...? used for asking what would happen in a particular situation:

What if the boss walked in here now and saw us?

What if we just cancel the whole thing?

2. ) used when something is always true

a ) used for introducing a situation that always has the same result, meaning, or effect:

I always get a headache if I watch too much television.

If you drive without insurance, you're breaking the law.

3. ) whether

a ) used in indirect questions that ask whether something is true:

She asked me if I was fond of music.

Can you tell me if they're planning to come?

b ) used when talking about something that is not certain:

I doubt if anyone will be interested in the program.

Palmer still hasn't decided if he's going to play in Saturday's game.

4. ) used when someone may want to know something

a ) used for introducing the reason that you think someone may want to know something:

There are plenty of taxis if you're in a hurry.

If you really want to know, I'm fed up with this stupid job.

If anyone asks you where I am, I'll be in the library.

5. ) used for saying how you feel about a possibility

a ) used for saying how you feel about the possibility that something may happen or be true:

I'm sorry if I've said anything that has upset you.

I don't care if I never see her again.

b ) used when expressing an opinion about an imagined situation:

It would be a pity if they had to cancel the show.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could spend more time with the children?

6. ) used in requests SPOKEN

a ) used when politely asking someone to do something or when asking for permission to do something:

I would be grateful if you would send me further details about the program.

if you don't mind/if it's all right with you: If you don't mind, I'd like to sit at the back.

b ) used when politely trying to add something to a conversation or discussion:

If I could just make a suggestion, why don't we have Maria come to our next meeting?

7. ) although perhaps

a ) used for introducing a remark that makes your description seem slightly less positive or certain:

The stories are basically true, if a little exaggerated.

Donald's essays are always interesting, if sometimes poorly written.

8. ) used when an explanation may be needed

a ) used for referring to something that someone may have noticed, before explaining the reason for it:

If I seem angry sometimes, it's usually because I'm very tired.

9. ) possibly more or possibly less

a ) used for suggesting that something may possibly be more or less, better or worse, etc. than you have stated:

Fodor's predictions have seldom if ever been proven wrong.

if not: The changes will affect thousands, if not millions, of ordinary people.

10. ) used for showing surprise SPOKEN used for introducing a negative expression to emphasize that you think something is very surprising or shocking:

Well, if that isn't the stupidest thing I ever heard!

if anything

used for saying how someone or something is different when you are not sure whether there really is any change or difference:

The situation is, if anything, worsening rather than improving.

If anything, he looks younger and healthier than he did before.

if ever

used for emphasizing that a particular description is exactly right for someone or something:

My son is a real football fanatic if ever there was one.

If ever a school deserved this award, Westdale Elementary is the one.

if it were not for/if it had not been for

used for saying who or what prevented something from happening:

If it hadn't been for the two men who rescued me, I'd probably have drowned.

If it weren't for the fact that he's my father, I'd have never listened to him.

if I were you SPOKEN

used when giving someone advice:

If I were you, I'd stay away from Josh Harker, he's not very honest.

if only MAINLY SPOKEN

1. ) used for saying that you would like a situation to be different:

If only we could afford to buy a place of our own.

If only you knew how hard I've tried to please you.

There's so much more I could do if only I had the time.

2. ) used for saying that when something good happens, it may only be for a limited purpose, time, etc.:

I wish he'd come and see us sometime, if only just to say hello.

=> AS

if

if 2 [ ıf ] noun

ifs, ands, or buts

attempts to argue against doing something or to suggest difficulties:

Go clean your room, and I don't want to hear any ifs, ands, or buts.

it's/that's a big if

used for emphasizing that something is not certain at all:

If we move and that's a big if I'll have to find a new job.