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if

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conjunction American English pronunciation: if /ɪf/
Other entries for this word
  1. 1
    in a possible or imagined situation
    1. 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.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of if
    2. 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.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of if
    3. 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.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of if
    4. 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.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of if
  2. 2
    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.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of if
  3. 3
    whether
    1. 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?

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of if
    2. 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.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of if
  4. 4
    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.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of if
  5. 5
    used for saying how you feel about a possibility
    1. 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.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of if
    2. 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?

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of if
  6. 6
    used in requests spoken
    1. 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 in the back.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of if
    2. 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?

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of if
  7. 7
    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.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of if
  9. 9
    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.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of if

phrases

See also

This is the American English definition of if. View British English definition of if.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

 

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