36 Alternatives for If

A Conditional Sentence is usually composed by two parts: the “if-clause” (or conditional clause) that expresses the condition, and the Main Clause that expresses the consequence of that condition. We have different structures for conditionals. {see Zero Conditional, First Conditional A2 level/Second Conditional, Third Conditional B1 Level}

There are other conjunctions that can be used to introduce conditionals. These are when, even if, only if, so/as long as, providing/provided (that), suppose/supposing, what if, unless, if it weren’t for/if it hadn’t been for, but for, if in doubt, if possible, if necessary, if so, if not, in case.

If and When

When can replace If in zero conditionals. In the other types of conditionals, we cannot use “When” instead of “If”.

Even If

Even If emphasises that something will happen, would happen or would have happened whatever the condition is/were.

Only If

Only If makes the condition more restrictive. If the if-clause is first, the subject and the auxiliary in the main clause are inverted.

So/As long as, Providing/Provided (that)

So/As long as and Providing/Provided (that) can be used instead of If to express a condition. Note that Providing/Provided (that) is a bit formal.

Suppose/Supposing, What If

Suppose/Supposing and What If can replace If, mainly in everyday conversation, and are often used without a main clause.

Unless

Unless is followed by an affirmative verb to express “if … not”.

If it weren’t for/If it hadn’t been for, But for

These expressions mean “without”. They are used in second and third conditionals and are usually followed by a noun phrase.

If in doubt, If possible, If Necessary etc.

We can make the if-clause shorter by omitting the subject and the verb be. In certain idiomatic expressions, the subject and be are normally omitted.

If so, If not

If so and If not can stand for an if-clause depending on the context.

In case and If

An In case-clause gives a reason while an if-clause describes a condition. We can use should after In Case.

1. If and When
   • If you heat water to 100 degrees Celsius, it boils.
   • When you heat water to 100 degrees Celsius, it boils.

2. Even If
   • Even if we they win the game now, they still cannot compete for championship.
   • I wouldn’t go out partying even if I had time.
   • Even if we had composed earlier, we couldn’t have played the song during the concert.

3. Only If
   • Acetaminophen is dangerous to children only if dosage is too high.
   • Only if you like winter sports is it worth coming here.

4. So/As long as, Providing/Provided (that)
   • You can stay there as long as you pass your exams.
   • Provided/Providing (that) he doesn’t cheat, Mike will play with us.

5. Suppose/Supposing, What If
   • Suppose/Supposing you won the lottery, what would you do?
   • Suppose/Supposing you can’t find a job?
   • What if you fail the exam? What will you do then?

6. Unless
   • I feel sick. I can’t organise the exhibition unless you help me. (I can’t organise it if you don’t help me.)

7. If it weren’t for/If it hadn’t been for, But for
   • If it weren’t for Miguel, we wouldn’t know how to defeat them. (Without Miguel…)
   • If it hadn’t been for your ambitions, we wouldn’t have lost. (If you hadn’t been so ambitious…)
   • But for your generosity, I would have been in big trouble. (Without your generosity… / If you hadn’t been so generous..)

8. If in doubt, If possible, If Necessary etc.
   • If (you are) in doubt, take a dental appointment.
   • If necessary, you can call Jake at home.
   • I’d like a seat by the window if possible.

9. If so, If not
   • “According to the weather forecast, it might rain tomorrow.” “If so, we’ll go to the music festival another day.”
   • I hope Peter gets here soon. If not, we’ll cancel the show.

10. In case and If
    • I’ll take a pill in case I get sick. (I’ll take a pill because I may get sick later.)
    • I’ll take a pill if I get sick. (I’ll take a pill when I get sick.)
    • Take an umbrella in case it should rain.

Below you can find the conjunctions that introduce conditions:

1. When: It is used in zero conditionals;
2. Even If: It is used to emphasize that something will happen without considering another thing that might prevent it;
3. Only If: It gives the meaning that something will happen depending on a necessary condition;
4. So/as long as, Providing/Provided that: It is used to indicate that something must happen in order for another thing to happen;
5. Suppose/Supposing, What if: It is used to make suggestions about something that might happen;
6. Unless: It is used to talk about something that might not happen if something else doesn’t happen;
7. If it weren’t for/If it hadn’t been for, But for: It indicates that a situation would have been different without someone or something;
8. If in doubt, if possible, if necessary: These are used to give suggestions;
9. If so, if not: They give the meaning of if that is the case;
10. In case: It is used to give the meaning of a precaution.