1if 
/ˈɪf/ conjunction
/ˈɪf/ conjunction 1 — used to talk about the result or effect of something that may happen or be true ▪ If it rains, (then) we won't go to the park. ▪ If he actually did commit the crime, he deserves to be punished. ▪ If you believe that, you'll believe anything! ▪ Come to the party if you can. ▪ If you really want to know, you should ask. ▪ What will happen if I fail the test? ▪ You should study. If not, you won't pass the test. = If you don't (study), you won't pass the test. ▪ Please arrive early if possible. = Please arrive early if it is possible. ▪ I'll do the work myself if necessary. = I'll do the work myself if it is necessary. ▪ If and when he comes, you can ask him. = When and if he comes, you can ask him. 2 — used to discuss the imaginary result or effect of something that did not happen or that is or was not true ▪ If you had studied, you would have passed the test. ▪ The situation would be funny if it weren't so tragic. = (informal) The situation would be funny if it wasn't so tragic. ▪ The harvest would have been good if it had rained. ▪ The news would be interesting if (it were) true, but it's not true. 3 — used to say that something must happen before another thing can happen ▪ He said he'll come to the party if she comes too. = (more strongly) He said he'll come to the party only if she comes too. = (most strongly) He says he'll come to the party if and only if she comes too. 4 — used to indicate a result that always occurs when something happens ▪ He gets angry if [=when] you disagree with him. ▪ The engine stalls if you let it get too hot. 5 : even though : although
▪ It was an interesting if unbelievable story. ▪ Her actions were understandable, if not forgivable. ▪ He had to perform an annoying, if necessary, task. ▪ a fair, if tough, boss ▪ The weather was good, if not great. 6 — used to introduce a statement or question about something that is not certain ▪ I'll see if [=whether] I can come. ▪ Do you know if he'll come to the party? ▪ I wonder if it's true (or not). ▪ Frankly, I doubt if he'll pass the exams. ▪ She asked if the mail had come. ▪ We should determine/decide if it is safe to go swimming. 7 a — used to make a polite request or suggestion ▪ Would you mind if I sat here? [=may I sit here?] ▪ If you will/would (be good enough to) follow me, ladies and gentlemen, I'll take you to your seats. ▪ If I could make a suggestion, why don't we sit closer to the front of the theater? ▪ I'd like to stay a little longer, if you don't mind. = I'd like to stay a little longer, if it's/that's all right with you.
b — used to state an opinion in a polite way ▪ You're looking particularly lovely today, if I may say so. 8 — used in statements that describe feelings (such as regret) about a possible situation ▪ I'm sorry if you think I insulted you. ▪ I'd be sorry if you thought I had insulted you. ▪ I don't care if we're late. 9 — used in statements and questions that express doubt ▪ I met Brenda last week—if that is/was in fact her real name. ▪ If you're so smart, why aren't you rich? 10 — used to introduce an even stronger alternative to what has just been said ▪ These changes will have little if any impact on the problem. ▪ Few if any of the town's original settlers are left. ▪ Rarely, if ever, does that happen. ▪ His efforts have helped to save thousands, if not millions, of lives. ▪ My car is as fast as yours if not (even) faster. 11 — used to express surprise about meeting someone when it is not expected ▪ So I went to the game and who should I see there if not [=but] my old friend Tom! ▪ Well, if it isn't my old friend Tom! ▪ So I went to the game and who did I see there if it wasn't my old friend Tom! 12 — used to emphasize the truth of a statement ▪ The idea is true if any idea has ever been! [=the idea is certainly true] ▪ “He claims that he's never met her.” “Well, if that isn't the biggest load of nonsense I've ever heard!” [=that is a lot of nonsense; that is completely untrue] ▪ I'll get my revenge if it's the last thing I do! [=I am determined to get my revenge]
▪ It was an interesting if unbelievable story. ▪ Her actions were understandable, if not forgivable. ▪ He had to perform an annoying, if necessary, task. ▪ a fair, if tough, boss ▪ The weather was good, if not great.
b — used to state an opinion in a polite way ▪ You're looking particularly lovely today, if I may say so.
as if — see 2as
even if — see 2even
if anything
— used to make a statement that strongly disagrees or contrasts with a preceding statement ▪ We don't see each other too often—if anything we don't see each other often enough! ▪ The economy has not improved. It has gotten worse, if anything.
if it comes to that — see 1come
if I were you
— used when giving advice to people about how they should behave ▪ I'd study more if I were you. [=I think you should study more]
if not for
: in the absence of (something or someone) : without
▪ If not for modern medicine, fewer babies would survive. ▪ If not for him, I wouldn't be where I am today. — often used in the phrases if it were not for and if it had not been for ▪ If it were not for your donations, many more children would go hungry. ▪ If it hadn't been for him, I wouldn't be where I am today.
▪ If not for modern medicine, fewer babies would survive. ▪ If not for him, I wouldn't be where I am today. — often used in the phrases if it were not for and if it had not been for ▪ If it were not for your donations, many more children would go hungry. ▪ If it hadn't been for him, I wouldn't be where I am today.
if nothing else
: at least — used to stress that an approving statement is true even though a stronger statement might not be ▪ If nothing else, he's polite! ▪ The food was hot, if nothing else. [=the food may not have been very good, but at least it was hot]
if only
— used to talk about something that you want to happen or be true ▪ If only she loved me in return! ▪ If only it would stop raining.
if you ask me
— used in statements that express an opinion ▪ If you ask me [=in my opinion], he's a liar.
if you must — see 1must
what if — see 1what
