if
/ɪf/ conjunction A1- Supposing that, assuming that, in the circumstances that; suppositive used to introduce a condition that may be (or prove to be) either true or false. · I'll do it next week if I have time.· Fetch me a cold beer if there's one in the fridge.
- A keyword that invokes conditional processing: in the event that a given condition is true, execute the given statement(s) (otherwise execute other statements). · if A then B else C
- Supposing that; used with past or past perfect subjunctive to indicate a counterfactual or hypothetical condition. · If she hadn't told me, I wouldn't know.· If he understood how this made me feel right now, he'd be O.K. with it too.
- Even if; even in the circumstances that. · I wouldn't marry you if you were the last man on earth.· You're finishing your chowder if you sit there all afternoon!
- Considering the fact that; given that; introducing a condition that is known to be true. · The drain's blocked — and if the drain's blocked, the water won't flow.
- When; whenever; every time that. · If you heat water to 100° C, it boils.· If it rains, it pours.
- Although; used to introduce a concession; may..but. · He was a great friend, if a little stingy at the bar.· She won her team's admiration, if not the award, for her performance.
- While; used to introduce a contrast. · If tea is expensive, coffee is completely unaffordable.
From the library
“No, no, my dear Edmond—my boy—my son!—no; but I did not expect you; and joy, the surprise of seeing you so suddenly—Ah, I feel as if I were going to die.”
“But tell me, Dantès, if you had command of the Pharaon should you be glad to see Danglars remain?”
The shipowner, smiling, followed him with his eyes until he saw him spring out on the quay and disappear in the midst of the throng, which from five o’clock in the morning until nine o’clock at night, swarms in the famous street of La Canebière,—a street of which the modern Phocéens are so proud that they say with all the gravity in the world, and with that accent which gives so much character to what is said, “If Paris had La Canebière, Paris would be a second Marseilles.” On turning round the owner saw Danglars behind him, apparently awaiting orders, but in reality also watching the young sailor,—but there was a great difference in the expression of the two men who thus followed the movements of Edmond Dantès.
As usual, a pilot put off immediately, and rounding the Château d’If, got on board the vessel between Cape Morgiou and Rion island.
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