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 in the garden if the weather's good.

If anyone rings for me, please tell them I'll be back in the office at 4 o'clock.

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 100°C it turns to steam.

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

Learner example:

If there is a world cup - e.g. football - then I spend more time watching television. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

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 rang half an 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, [as] that way I will c[atch] up easily. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

if I were you

B1 used when you give someone advice

Dictionary examples:

If I were you, I'd probably go.

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

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'd had the money, we'd have bought a new car.

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

if only

B1 used when you want to say how doing something simple would make it possible to avoid something unpleasant

Dictionary example:

If only she'd listen to what he's saying, I'm sure they could work it out.

Learner example:

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

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. 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 might 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)