Replacing "if"
If can be replaced by words or expressions with a similar meaning. The most common are:
- as long as
- assuming (that)
- on condition (that)
- on the assumption (that)
- provided (that)
- supposing (that)
- with the condition (that)
Examples:
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We agree to the terms if you give us a 5% discount. We agree to the terms on condition that you give us a 5% discount. If they don't accept our offer, what shall we do? Supposing they don't accept our offer, what shall we do? |
If not can be replaced with:
- unless
Example:
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You'll forfeit your bonus if you don't hit your sales target. You'll forfeit your bonus unless you hit your sales target. |
Omitting "if"
We can omit if with certain auxiliary and modal verbs:
- Had I known... (instead of: "If I had known...")
- Were this my company,... (instead of: "If this was my company,...")
- Should you need my advice,... (instead of: "If you should need my advice,...")
Examples:
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If I had known about the incident, I would have taken action. Had I known about the incident, I would have taken action. If you should need any help, please call me. Should you need any help, please call me. |
"If" vs "when"
If and when are interchangeable when the statement of the conditional clause is a fact or a general issue (also known as zero conditional):
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If you heat ice, it melts. When you heat ice, it melts. |
If is used for something that, according to the speaker, might happen:
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We can meet this afternoon if you are not busy. |
When is used for something that, according to the speaker, will happen.
| I will send you my report when I'm back from my business trip. |
"If" vs "in case"
In case of can be used to shorten an if-clause as shown below:
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If there is a fire, leave the room. |
While if expresses a condition (1), in case is used to express a possibility (2):
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(1) I need painkillers if I'm in severe pain. (2) I need painkillers in case I'm in severe pain. |
The expression just in case is used pretty much the same way:
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I made extra copies of the agenda just in case Keith and Penelope are able to attend. (I don't know whether Keith and Penelope are going to attend) |