if
ihf
If (conj) means used to introduce a condition: supposing that something is or were true. Example: “If it rains, we'll move the party indoors.”
conj
1
Used to introduce a condition: supposing that something is or were true.
"If it rains, we'll move the party indoors."
"If I had known, I would have called you sooner."
"If you heat ice, it turns into water."
2
Although; used to concede a point while still making a statement.
"It was a good, if somewhat long, movie."
"The room was small, if comfortable, and the price was fair."
"She gave a clear, if rather nervous, speech to the class."
noun
1
An uncertain condition or possibility.
"There are too many ifs in this plan for my comfort."
"No ifs or buts, you must finish your homework tonight."
"The trip is still full of ifs, because the weather may change."
How to use if
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIntroduces a condition — something that may or may not be true or may or may not happen.
Common pairings
if only
ifs and buts
as if
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like if.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- ifs
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ it rains, we'll move the party indoors.
Etymology
From Old English gif, going back to a Proto-Germanic word meaning "when" or "if."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “if” mean?
The word “if” means used to introduce a condition: supposing that something is or were true. In plain terms, introduces a condition — something that may or may not be true or may or may not happen.
How do you pronounce “if”?
“If” is pronounced ihf (/ɪf/ in IPA).
How do you use “if” in a sentence?
Here is “if” used in a sentence: “If it rains, we'll move the party indoors.”
What part of speech is “if”?
Depending on how it is used, “if” can be a conjunction and a noun.
Where does the word “if” come from?
The word “if” comes from Old English. From Old English gif, going back to a Proto-Germanic word meaning "when" or "if.".
Is “if” a common word?
“If” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “if” have?
“If” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: used to introduce a condition: supposing that something is or were true.
What is the difference between "if" and "whether"?
"If" introduces a condition ("If it rains, we'll stay in"), while "whether" introduces alternatives, especially after verbs like "know," "ask," or "decide" ("I don't know whether to go"). In formal writing, "whether" is preferred when two options are involved or before an infinitive.
Is it "if I was" or "if I were"?
Use "if I were" for situations that are imaginary or contrary to fact ("If I were rich, I'd travel"). "If I was" is used for real past possibilities ("If I was rude yesterday, I apologise"), though in casual speech many people use "was" for both.
Do you need a comma after an "if" clause?
When the "if" clause comes first, follow it with a comma: "If you're tired, go to bed." When the "if" clause comes second, no comma is normally needed: "Go to bed if you're tired".
What is the difference between "if" and "unless"?
"Unless" means "if ... not": "Unless you hurry, you'll be late" equals "If you don't hurry, you'll be late." Combining "unless" with another negative easily causes confusion, so most style advice is to keep "unless" clauses positive.
Example sentences
Real-world examples showing if in context, drawn from published sources. Any opinions expressed are those of the original source and do not reflect the views of FreeDict.com.
Yet he'd be willing to sacrifice that goal if that would improve the Red Sox' chances of reaching the playoffs.
From
The Boston Globe · Jul 25, 2026
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include if:
