if

ifconjunction

If introduces a condition or a possibility: something that may or may not be true, or may or may not happen.

1. on conditionin the situation that something happens or is true

   The if clause names a possible situation and the main clause says what happens or will happen in it. In a clause about the future, if takes the present tense, not will: if it rains, not if it will rain. The if clause can come first, with a comma after it, or second.

   • If it rains tomorrow, we'll stay at home.
   • You can borrow my car if you need it.
   • If you heat ice, it melts.
   • If you see Sam, tell him I said hello.

   Compare when (when assumes that something will happen; if leaves it open); unless (unless means if not); should

   1. aevery time that

      With the present tense in both clauses, if can describe a habit or something that is always true.

      • If I drink coffee in the evening, I can't sleep.
      • If the baby cries, she usually wants food.

   For translators (sense 1)

   Meaning across languages Some languages use one word for both if and when. English keeps them apart: if she calls leaves open whether she will call; when she calls assumes she will.

   Grammar trap In a clause about the future, if takes the present tense: if you come, not if you will come. Will after if is possible only to mean are willing to (if you will wait here).

2. imaginingused to talk about a situation that is not true, or that is not likely to happen

   To imagine a present or future situation, use a past tense after if and would in the main clause (If I knew, I would tell you). To imagine a different past, use the past perfect after if and would have in the main clause. Were is used for all persons in careful English (if I were, if she were); was is common in speech.

   • If I had more money, I would buy a bigger house.
   • If I were you, I would apologize.
   • What would you do if you lost your job?
   • If we had left earlier, we would have caught the train. (about the past)

   For translators (sense 2)

   Grammar trap The past tense after if does not show past time here; it shows that the situation is imagined: If I had a car is about now. Do not put would in the if clause: if I had known, not if I would have known.

3. whetherused to introduce a yes-or-no question inside a longer sentence

   After verbs such as ask, know, wonder, and see, if means the same as whether. The words after it keep the order of a statement, not a question: I asked if she was ready, not I asked if was she ready.

   • She asked me if I was hungry.
   • I don't know if he's coming.
   • Can you check if the store is open?

   Synonyms whether

   Compare whether

4. althoughthough also; while also being

   Used before an adjective or a short phrase to add a small point that makes a statement less strong. This use is found mostly in writing.

   formal

   • It was a good, if rather long, meeting.
   • The hotel was comfortable, if a little noisy.
   • She gave a clear if brief answer.

   Compare although (if in this use joins only an adjective or a short phrase, not a full clause)

See also if (as a noun (no ifs or buts))