Language Research

if · conjunction

/ɪf/Full view

if (DEPENDING)

A2 used to say that something will happen only after something else happens or is true

Dictionary examples:

We'll have the party on the deck if the weather's good.

If anyone calls while I'm out, please take a message.

We’ll deal with that problem if and when it arises.

Learner example:

If you want [me] to, I'll bring you some of my CDs. (Key English Test; A2; Swiss German)

if (ALWAYS)

B1 used to mean always or every time

Dictionary examples:

If water is heated to 212°F it turns to steam.

If I don't get enough sleep I get a headache.

Learner example:

If I think it's pretty, I buy it. (Preliminary English Test; B1; French)

if (MIGHT)

B1 used to talk about something that might happen

Dictionary examples:

If I won the lottery, I'd buy a boat.

What would you do if he moved away?

Learner example:

It would be great if you came to the city. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

if (WHETHER)

B1 whether

Dictionary examples:

I wonder if he'll get the job?

Mrs. Kramer called a half hour ago to ask if her cake was ready.

I don't care if he likes it or not - I'm coming!

Learner example:

But let's see if a friend can lend me his notebook, so that way I will c[a]t[ch] up easily. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

if I were you

B1 used when you give someone advice

Dictionary examples:

I think I'd take the job if I were you.

If I were you, I'd probably go.

Learner example:

But you enjoy clubbing and discos, so, if I were you, I would [choose the] city. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Slovak)

if (WOULD/MIGHT/COULD HAVE)

B2 used to talk about what would/might/could, etc. have happened

Dictionary examples:

If we had the money, we'd get a new car.

If you'd mentioned this earlier, it might not have been necessary to call the doctor.

Learner example:

If she had gone home by taxi, she would have not risked her life. (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)

if only

B1 used to say you wish for something or you wish something was so

Dictionary example:

If only I had more money.

Learner example:

If only I had been more careful. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Korean)

if only

B2 used when you want to say how doing something simple would make it possible to avoid something unpleasant

Dictionary example:

If only she'd listened to me, she wouldn’t be in this mess.

Learner example:

Therefor[e] I think that if only the zoo owners take good care of the animals, they won't suffer if they are locked up. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

if not

A2 used to say what the situation will be if something does not happen

Dictionary example:

I hope to see you there but, if not, I'll call you.

Learner example:

I'm going to paint my bedroom with the pink paint. Remember to put on your old cloth[e]s. If not, your clothes will become pinky and you can't use them anymore. (Key English Test; A2; Farsi)

if so

B2 if this is the case

Dictionary example:

It might rain this afternoon, and if so, we'll have to have the party indoors.

Learner example:

Let me know if you [can] come, and if so, [whether] you prefer the 15th or 22nd of February. (First Certificate in English; B2; Dutch)

if you like

A2 used when you offer someone something

Dictionary example:

If you like, I could drive you there.

Learner example:

If you like, we can go to a night club. (Key English Test; A2; Portuguese)

as if

B2 used to describe how a situation seems to be

Dictionary examples:

It looks as if it's going to rain.

It was as if we had been friends for years.

Learner example:

The sun was up in the sky, there were no clouds and it looked as if it was going to be a wonderful day. (First Certificate in English; B2; Dutch)

if you ask me

B2 said when you are giving your opinion

Dictionary example:

If you ask me, you should take that job.

Learner example:

If you ask me, I don't think that TV can replace books. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

if need be

C2 if it is necessary

Dictionary example:

If need be, we can take two cars.

Learner example:

On the one hand I won't indulge my children's whims and I will lecture them or punish them if need be. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; French)