if

Pluralifs

1. 1
   conjunction

   Used to talk about something that might happen or be true, and what happens or would happen then.

   Like a door that opens only when the right key is used.

   Call me if you need help.

   We'll go out if the weather is good.

   UsageWhen talking about the future, usually use the present after if: if it rains tomorrow.

   Similarprovided, providing, supposing

   Oppositeunless

   Note
2. 2
   offer (in case)conjunction

   Used to offer something in case it is wanted.

   There's coffee in the pot if you'd like some.

   I'm in the office all day if you need me.

   Note
3. 3
   whetherconjunction

   Used to mean 'whether', after words like 'know' or 'ask'.

   Do you know if the bank is open today?

   I wonder if she remembers me.

   UsageYou can say ask if. In formal writing, whether is often better.

   Similarwhether

   Note
4. 4
   conjunction

   Used to mean 'whenever', for things that always happen.

   The light comes on if you press this button.

   Ice melts if you heat it.

   UsageFor facts and habits now, we usually use the present in both parts: if you heat ice, it melts.

   Similarwhen, whenever

   Note
5. 5
   even supposingconjunction

   Used in strong statements to say that even this would not change things.

   I wouldn't eat that if you paid me.

   She wouldn't say sorry if you begged her all day.

   UsageIt means even if, as in if it's the last thing I do.

   Note
6. 6
   conjunction

   Used for something already known to be true, meaning 'since'.

   If you're so hungry, why didn't you eat lunch?

   If you already know the answer, why are you asking me?

   UsageOften followed by a question with why: if you knew, why didn't you tell me?

   Similarsince, as

   Note

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