if

if is part of the Basic English 850.

if is one of the 1000 most common headwords.

if

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɪf/
• SAMPA: /If/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

Preposition

Preposition if

1. used in a condition
   1. when something will cause something else

      If it rains, I will get wet.

   2. when a condition is not true

      I'd prefer it if you took your shoes off.

   3. although

      He was a great friend, if a little strange.

   4. When ... occurs (a programming statement).

   1. If A, then B, else C.

Subordinator

Subordinator if

1. If is used to report questions and things that are unknown.

   She asked if they had arrived yet.

   I don't know if I want to go or not.

Synonyms

• whether

Noun

Singular if

Plural ifs

1. a conditional situation

   There are many ifs we need to consider before we start on the plan.