if · conj
if (WOULD/MIGHT/COULD HAVE)
B2 used to talk about what would/might/could, etc. have happened
Dictionary examples:
If you'd mentioned this earlier, it might not have been necessary to call the doctor. (30.7)
If we had the money, we'd get a new car. (55.7)
if only
B2 used when you want to say how doing something simple would make it possible to avoid something unpleasant
Dictionary examples:
If only she'd listened to me, she wouldn’t be in this mess. (27.9)
if so
B2 if this is the case
Dictionary examples:
It might rain this afternoon, and if so, we'll have to have the party indoors. (25.0)
as if
B2 used to describe how a situation seems to be
Dictionary examples:
It looks as if it's going to rain. (16.0)
It was as if we had been friends for years. (17.0)
if you ask me
B2 said when you are giving your opinion
Dictionary examples:
If you ask me, you should take that job. (10.7)
if need be
C2 if it is necessary
Dictionary examples:
If need be, we can take two cars. (32.6)
if (DEPENDING)
A2 used to say that something will happen only after something else happens or is true
Dictionary examples:
I'll sleep if the baby sleeps. (0.0)
We'll study if the TV breaks. (0.0)
I'll smile if you tell a joke. (0.0)
We'll have the party on the deck if the weather's good. (35.3)
If anyone calls while I'm out, please take a message. (36.1)
We’ll deal with that problem if and when it arises. (39.4)
if not
A2 used to say what the situation will be if something does not happen
Dictionary examples:
Finish homework. If not, no TV today! (0.0)
Study hard. If not, bye-bye phone! (0.0)
Say please. If not, no cookie! (0.0)
I hope to see you there but, if not, I'll call you. (18.1)
if (ALWAYS)
B1 used to mean always or every time
Dictionary examples:
If I open a book to study, my brain goes on vacation. (0.0)
If I clean my room, it magically becomes messy again in five minutes. (0.0)
If I cook, the smoke alarm thinks it's a music concert. (0.0)
If I don't get enough sleep I get a headache. (26.4)
If water is heated to 212°F it turns to steam. (71.9)
if (MIGHT)
B1 used to talk about something that might happen
Dictionary examples:
If I could fly, I'd never be late for work again. (0.0)
If I could speak to animals, I'd ask my cat why it hates me. (0.0)
If I had a superpower, I'd choose the ability to find my keys. (0.0)
What would you do if he moved away? (14.5)
If I won the lottery, I'd buy a boat. (32.0)
if (WHETHER)
B1 whether
Dictionary examples:
Can you check if my brain is still working after that boring meeting? (0.0)
I'm not sure if my cat is plotting world domination or just napping. (0.0)
I wonder if aliens would enjoy our terrible karaoke singing. (0.0)
I wonder if he'll get the job? (16.5)
I don't care if he likes it or not - I'm coming! (20.2)
Mrs. Kramer called a half hour ago to ask if her cake was ready. (33.3)
if only
B1 used to say you wish for something or you wish something was so
Dictionary examples:
If only my cat could do my homework for me! (0.0)
If only I could read books by sleeping on them! (0.0)
If only I could sleep through Monday and wake up on Friday! (0.0)
If only I had more money. (11.4)
if I were you
B1 used when you give someone advice
Dictionary examples:
If I were you, I'd stop using ketchup as toothpaste. (0.0)
If I were you, I'd think twice before wearing socks with sandals. (0.0)
If I were you, I wouldn't use a banana as a phone. (0.0)
If I were you, I'd probably go. (12.1)
I think I'd take the job if I were you. (12.3)
if you like
A2 used when you offer someone something
Dictionary examples:
If you like, I can show you how to make invisible ink. (0.0)
If you like, I can teach you how to dance like a chicken. (0.0)
If you like, I can teach your dog to speak English. (0.0)
If you like, I could drive you there. (17.1)