if

1 /If/ conjunction

1 used to talk about something that might happen: What can you do if your child behaves badly in a public place? | If you don't leave now I'm calling the police. | We can always get a taxi if there's a problem with the car. | if by any chance: If by any chance Peter should phone, can you tell him that I'll talk to him later? | if not: I think there's a train at midday. If not you'll have to wait till 12.30.

2 used when you are talking about something that always happens in a particular situation: If I go to bed late I feel dreadful in the morning. | Plastic will melt if it gets too hot.

3 even if although something is true or something happens: Even if I did lose a stone, I still wouldn't look skinny.

4 used to mean `though', when you are describing someone or something that you like: He's a pleasant child, if a little spoiled.

5 used like `whether' when asking or deciding whether something is true or will happen: I rang them to see if I could cancel the appointment. | Ask him if he'll lend me some money. | I wonder if John's got home yet.

6 used when saying that you are surprised, upset, angry etc that something has happened or is true: I'm sorry you took it that way. | I don't care if he is my brother. He's still an idiot.

7 if I were you used when giving advice and telling someone what you think they should do: If I were you I'd jump at the chance of a job like that

8 it isn't as if.../it's not as if... used when saying that you do not understand why someone is doing something: I can't think why they're being so mean. It's not as if they're short of money.

2 noun

1 ifs and buts BrE ifs, ands, or buts AmE if you do not want any ifs and buts, you want someone to do something quickly without arguing: No ifs and buts - just make sure the job is done by tomorrow!

2 and it's a big if used to say that something is not likely to happen: We can do it if, and it's a big if, we get the money.