if
introduces a condition
Used to say that something will happen only when another thing happens first.
if [condition], [result]
- If it rains tomorrow, we will stay indoors.
- You can borrow my car if you drive carefully.
- If you need help, just ask me.
- Call me if you arrive early.
- If she studies hard, she will pass the exam.
- If it is cold, wear a coat.
- I will go if you go.
- If you are tired, rest.
- We can eat outside if it is sunny.
a possibility or uncertainty
Something that might happen or might not happen; an uncertain thing.
- The plan is full of ifs and buts.
- There are too many ifs to make a decision now.
- No ifs or buts — just do it.
- The idea has many ifs.
- No ifs or buts, clean your room.
- Too many ifs make it hard to plan.
- Base: if
- Plural: ifs
if not
1introduces alternative if false
Used to give an alternative when the previous statement is not true.
- You should call her, if not visit her in person.
- He is clever, if not brilliant.
if so
1introduces result if true
Used to say what happens if the previous statement is true.
- Is this your book? If so, I will give it to you.
- He might be late. If so, we will start without him.
what if
1asks about a hypothetical situation
Used to ask what would happen in a possible situation.
- What if we get lost?
- What if she says no?
what if
2ask about a possibility
Use this to ask about a possible problem or situation.
- What if we miss the last train?
- What if nobody agrees with the plan?
- I know it sounds unlikely, but what if she’s right?
as if
1In a way suggesting something unreal or imagined
In a way that makes it seem like something is true, even if it’s not.
- She talks as if she knows everything.
- He looks as if he hasn’t slept in days.
- He looked at me as if I were crazy.
- She talks to him as if he were a child.
if only
1expressing an unreal wish
Used to say you wish something were true or had happened.
- If only I had studied harder for the test.
- If only it would stop raining.
if only
2expresses regret or wish
Used to say you wish something was true or had happened.
- If only I had studied harder, I would have passed the test.
- If only it would stop raining!