Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

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Definition if in American English

if conjunction

conjunction
/ɪf/
1

used for introducing a situation that may happen or may be real, especially when talking about its results

1.1

used for introducing a situation that may happen or may be real, especially when talking about its results

Example

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

Example

If anyone has found a bunch of keys, would they please leave them on my desk.

Example

You can come and stay with us if you want.

Example

Are you planning to return to work, and if so, who is going to take care of the baby?

Example

Has anyone dealt with the technical problems? And if not, why not?

Example

We are ready to fight for our rights if necessary.

Example

I'd like to be back here by 10:30 if possible.

Synonyms and related words
albeit although and
1.2

used for introducing a situation or condition that must exist before something else happens

Example

Okay I'll come with you if you'll promise not to go too fast.

Example

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

Synonyms and related words
albeit although and
1.3

used for introducing a situation that does not exist now and is unlikely or impossible, especially when talking about its imaginary results

Example

If Luke paid more attention in class, he would get better results.

Example

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

Example

If anyone were to complain, I would merely tell them to write to the manager.

Example

If you happen to see Diane, would you give her a message?

Example

I'd never sell this painting, even if they offered me a million dollars.

Synonyms and related words
albeit although and
1.4

used for introducing a situation that might have existed in the past but did not exist, especially when talking about what its results might have been

Example

If I'd known you were coming, I would have made supper for you.

Example

If the new safety system had been in use, the accident would never have happened.

Synonyms and related words
albeit although and
2

used for introducing a situation that always has the same result, meaning, or effect

Example

I always get a headache if I watch too much television.

Example

If you drive without insurance, you're breaking the law.

Synonyms and related words
albeit although and
3

used in indirect questions that ask whether something is true

3.1

used in indirect questions that ask whether something is true

Example

She asked me if I was fond of music.

Example

Can you tell me if they're planning to come?

Synonyms and related words
albeit although and
3.2

used when talking about something that is not certain

Example

I doubt if anyone will be interested in the program.

Example

Palmer still hasn't decided if he's going to play in Saturday's game.

Synonyms and related words
albeit although and
4

used for introducing the reason that you think someone may want to know something

Example

There are plenty of taxis if you're in a hurry.

Example

If you really want to know, I'm fed up with this stupid job.

Example

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

Synonyms and related words
albeit although and
5

used for saying how you feel about the possibility that something may happen or be true

5.1

used for saying how you feel about the possibility that something may happen or be true

Example

I'm sorry if I've said anything that has upset you.

Example

I don't care if I never see her again.

Synonyms and related words
albeit although and
5.2

used when expressing an opinion about an imagined situation

Example

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

Example

Wouldn't it be nice if we could spend more time with the children?

Synonyms and related words
albeit although and
6

used when politely asking someone to do something or when asking for permission to do something

6.1

used when politely asking someone to do something or when asking for permission to do something

Example

I would be grateful if you would send me further details about the program.

Example

If you don't mind, I'd like to sit in the back.

Synonyms and related words
albeit although and
6.2

used when politely trying to add something to a conversation or discussion

Example

If I could just make a suggestion, why don't we have Maria come to our next meeting?

Synonyms and related words
albeit although and
7

used for introducing a remark that makes your description seem slightly less positive or certain

Example

The stories are basically true, if a little exaggerated.

Example

Donald's essays are always interesting, if sometimes poorly written.

Synonyms and related words
albeit although and
8

used for referring to something that someone may have noticed, before explaining the reason for it

Example

If I seem angry sometimes, it's usually because I'm very tired.

Synonyms and related words
albeit although and
9

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

Example

Fodor's predictions have seldom if ever been proven wrong.

Example

The changes will affect thousands, if not millions, of ordinary people.

Synonyms and related words
albeit although and
10

used for introducing a negative expression to emphasize that you think something is very surprising or shocking

Example

Well, if that isn't the stupidest thing I ever heard!

Synonyms and related words
albeit although and
Definition if in American English

Related Words

Words related to if:

as if (phrase) as if by magic (phrase) as if you own the place (phrase) be nothing if not (phrase) correct me if I’m wrong (phrase) damned if you do, and damned if you don’t (phrase) do something as if you own the place (phrase) do something there is no tomorrow (phrase) do you mind? (phrase) even if (phrase) I don’t mind if I do (phrase) I wonder (phrase) I would be obliged (if) (phrase) I would prefer it if (phrase) etc. would appreciate it if... (phrase) would be grateful if... (phrase) if (conjunction) if (noun) if all else fails (phrase) if anything (phrase) if at first you don’t succeed, (try, try, and try again) (phrase) if desired (phrase) if ever (phrase) if ever there was (phrase) if etc. so desire(s) (phrase) if I live to be a hundred (phrase) if I may say (so) (phrase) if I may say so (phrase) if I might be so bold (phrase) if I were you (phrase) if it kills you (phrase) if it were not for (phrase) if it were not it had not been for (phrase) if it’s the last thing I do (phrase) if my memory serves me () (phrase) if need be (phrase) if nothing else (phrase) if only (phrase) if someone isn’t careful (phrase) if someone thinks something, they have another think coming (phrase) if someone’s a day (phrase) if the shoe fits (wear it) (phrase) if these walls could talk (phrase) if truth be (phrase) if comes to worst (phrase) if you (really) must (phrase) if you ask me (phrase) if you believe that, you’ll believe anything (phrase) if you can call it (phrase) if you can’t beat ’em join ’em (phrase) if you can’t the heat (get out of the kitchen) (phrase) if you don’t mind saying so (phrase) if you give half a chance (phrase) if you insist (phrase) if you know what’s good for you (phrase) if you like (phrase) if you must know (phrase) if you please (phrase) if you snooze you lose (phrase) if you want (phrase) if you want my (phrase) if you will (phrase) (if you’ll) the expression (phrase) if you’ve got it, flaunt it (phrase) (if you) play your cards right (phrase) in doubt (phrase) if/when the balloon goes up (phrase) the occasion arises (phrase) the spirit moves you (phrase) it’s not as if... (phrase) look as if you have seen a ghost (phrase) make as if to do something (phrase) see if I care (phrase) see you can do something (phrase) someone couldn’t care less (phrase) someone couldn’t do something if they tried (phrase) I say it myself (phrase) unless I’m mistaken (phrase) what do you get if you cross a something with a something else? (phrase) what if...? (phrase)