conjunction

1.
in case that; granting or supposing that; on condition that:
Sing if you want to. Stay indoors if it rains. I'll go if you do.
2.
even though:
an enthusiastic if small audience.
3.
whether:
He asked if I knew Spanish.
4.
(used to introduce an exclamatory phrase):
If only Dad could see me now!
5.
when or whenever:
If it was raining, we had to play inside.
noun
6.
a supposition; uncertain possibility:
The future is full of ifs.
7.
a condition, requirement, or stipulation:
There are too many ifs in his agreement.
Idioms
8.
ifs, ands, or buts, reservations, restrictions, or excuses:
I want that job finished today, and no ifs, ands, or buts.
11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Full Definition of IF

a : in the event that

b : allowing that

c : on the assumption that

d : on condition that

2
: WHETHER <asked if the mail had come> <I doubt if I'll pass the course>

used as a function word to introduce an exclamation expressing a wish <ifit would only rain>

: even though : although perhaps <an interesting if untenable argument>

: and perhaps not even <few if any changes are expected> often used with not <difficult if not
impossible>

if anything

: on the contrary even : perhaps even <if anything, you ought to apologize>

See if defined for English-language learners

See if defined for kids

Origin of IF

Middle English, from Old English gif; akin to Old High German ibu if

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with IF

biff, cliff, diff, glyph, iff, jiff, miff, quiff, riff, skiff, sniff, spiff, spliff, stiff, syph,tiff, whiff

2
if
noun \if\

: something that is not certain : something that could either happen or not happen

Full Definition of IF

: CONDITION, STIPULATION <the question depends on too many ifs to allow an answer
Encounter>

2
 : SUPPOSITION

See if defined for English-language learners

Examples of IF

1. There are too many ifs in this proposal.

2. <your conclusion may turn out to be accurate, but you're postulating a lot of ifs>

111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

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 res
ults

If we miss the last bus, well have to walk home.

If anyone has found a bunch of keys, would they please leavethem 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 ifso, who is going to look after the baby?

if not (=if this is not true): Has anyone dealt with the technicalproblems? And if not, why not?

if necessary/if possible (=if it is

necessary/possible): We areready to fight for our rights if necessary.

I should like to be back here by 10.30 if possible.

1. Synonyms and related words

Conjunctions:

albeit, although, and...

Explore Thesaurus

2. b.
used for introducing a situation or condition that must exist beforesomething else happens

Okay Ill come with you if youll promise not to go too fast.

only if: The rebels say they are ready to stop fighting, but only ifthe prisoners are released.

Synonyms and related words

 Conjunctions:

albeit, although, and...

Explore Thesaurus

3. c.
used for introducing a situation that does not exist now and isunlikely or impossible, especially when
talking about its imaginaryresults

If Luke paid more attention in class, he would achieve betterresults.

If Freud were alive today, he would approve of our methods.

If you should happen to meet Diane, would you give her amessage.

If anyone were to complain, I should merely tell them to write tothe manager.

even if: Id never sell this painting, even if they offered me amillion dollars.

Synonyms and related words

Conjunctions:

albeit, although, and...

Explore Thesaurus

4. d.
used for introducing a situation that might have existed in the pastbut did not exist, especially when t
alking about what its resultsmight have been

If Id known you were coming, I would have had a meal ready foryou.

If the new safety system had been in use, the accident wouldnever have happened.

1. 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, youre breaking the law.

Synonyms and related words

 Conjunctions:

albeit, although, and...

Explore Thesaurus

2. 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 theyre planning to come?

Synonyms and related words

Conjunctions:

albeit, although, and...

Explore Thesaurus

2. b.
used when talking about something that is not certain

I doubt if anyone will be interested in the programme.

Palmer still hasnt decided if hes going to play in Saturdaysmatch.

Synonyms and related words

Conjunctions:

albeit, although, and...

Explore Thesaurus

3. 4
used for introducing the reason that you think someone may want toknow something

There are plenty of taxis if youre in a hurry.

If you really want to know, Im fed up with this stupid job.

 If anyone asks you where I am, Ill be in the library.

Synonyms and related words

Conjunctions:

albeit, although, and...

Explore Thesaurus

4. 5
used for saying how you feel about a possibility

1. a.
used for saying how you feel about the possibility that somethingmay happen or be true

Im sorry if Ive said anything that has caused offence.

I dont care if I never see her again.

Synonyms and related words

Conjunctions:

albeit, although, and...

Explore Thesaurus

2. b.
used when expressing an opinion about an imagined situation

It would be a pity if they had to cancel the show.

Wouldnt it be nice if we could spend more time with the children?

Synonyms and related words

Conjunctions:

albeit, although, and...

Explore Thesaurus

5. 6
 used in requests SPOKEN

1. a.
used when politely asking someone to do something or whenasking for permission to do something

I would be grateful if you would send me further details of theprogramme.

if you dont mind/if its all right with you: If you dont mind, Idlike to sit at the back.

Synonyms and related words

Conjunctions:

albeit, although, and...

Explore Thesaurus

2. b.
used when politely trying to add something to a conversation ordiscussion

If I could just make a suggestion why dont we invite Andrew toour next meeting?

Synonyms and related words

Conjunctions:

albeit, although, and...

Explore Thesaurus

6. 7
used for introducing a remark that makes your description seemslightly less positive or certain

The stories are basically true, if a little exaggerated.

Donalds essays are always interesting, if sometimes rather careless.

Synonyms and related words

Conjunctions:

albeit, although, and...

Explore Thesaurus
7. 8
used for referring to something that someone may have noticed,before explaining the reason for it

If I seem angry sometimes, its usually because Im very tired.

Synonyms and related words

Conjunctions:

albeit, although, and...

Explore Thesaurus

8. 9
used for suggesting that something may possibly be more or less,better or worse etc than you have
stated

Fodors predictions have seldom if ever been proved wrong.

if not: The changes will affect thousands, if not millions, of ordinarypeople.

Synonyms and related words

Conjunctions:

albeit, although, and...

Explore Thesaurus

9. 10
SPOKEN used for introducing a negative expression to emphasize thatyou think something is very sur
prising or shocking

Well, if that isnt the stupidest thing I ever heard!

Synonyms and related words

Conjunctions:

albeit, although, and...

111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Oxford
 used to say that one thing can, will or might happen or be true, depending on
another thing happening or being trueIf you see him, give him this note.I'll only stay if
you offer me more money.If necessary I can come at once.You can stay for the
weekend if you like.If anyone calls, tell them I'm not at home.If he improved his IT
skills, he'd (= he would) easily get a job.You would know what was going on if
you'd (= you had) listened.They would have been here by now if they'd caught the early
train.If I was in charge, I'd do things differently.(rather formal) If I were in charge
Even if (= although) you did see someone, you can't be sure it was him.
when; whenever; every timeIf metal gets hot it expands.She glares at me if I go near
her desk.
(formal) used with will or would to ask somebody politely to do somethingIf you will
sit down for a few moments, I'll tell the manager you're here.If you would care to leave
your name, we'll contact you as soon as possible.
used after ask, know, find out, wonder, etc. to introduce one of two or more
possibilitiesSYNONYM whetherDo you know if he's married?I wonder if I should wear a
coat or not.He couldn't tell if she was laughing or crying.Listen to the tune and see if
you can remember the words.
Grammar Point
used after verbs or adjectives expressing feelingsI am sorry if I disturbed you.I'd be
grateful if you would keep it a secret.Do you mind if I turn the TV off?
used to admit that something is possible, but to say that it is not very importantIf she
has any weakness, it is her Italian.So what if he was late. Who cares?
used before an adjective to introduce a contrastHe's a good driver, if a little over-
confident.We'll only do it onceif at all.
used to ask somebody to listen to your opinionIf you ask me, she's too scared to do
it.If you think about it, those children must be at school by now.If you remember,
Mary was always fond of animals.
used before could, may or might to suggest something or to interrupt somebody
politelyIf I may make a suggestion, perhaps we could begin a little earlier next week.