Substitution of if
If in English can be replaced with words or expressions with the same meaning. Among the most commonly used for this purpose are:
- as long as
- assuming (that)
- on condition (that)
- on the assumption (that)
- provided (that)
- supposing (that)
- unless
- with the condition (that)
Omission of if
- Had I known… (instead of If I had known…)
- Were you my daughter,… (instead of If you were my daughter,…)
- Should you need my advice,… (instead of If you should need my advice,…)
If or when
If and when are interchangeable when the conditional sentence is a fact or is zero conditional.
- If you heat ice, it melts.
- When you heat ice, it melts.
If is used for something that, according to the speaker, may happen.
- We can spend the afternoon on the beach if the weather is fine.
When is used for something that, according to the speaker, will happen.
- I will clean up the kitchen right away when I'm back from work.
If you would like to learn more information about English language learning, you can visit the page 'English Language Course'.
More articles on English grammar
Learn English from home at a time convenient for you: