I.conjunctionCOLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
As if!spokeninformal
▪ He asked if I’d go out with him. As ifit is extremely unlikely that I would go out with him!
as/if/when the need arises (=if or when something becomes necessary)
▪ Team members move from job to job as the need arises.
couldn’t help it if
▪ She couldn’t help it if she was being irrational.
difficult, if not impossible (=difficult, and perhaps impossible)
▪ Obtaining funding for the film will be difficult, if not impossible.
do/if you know/see what I mean?spoken (= used to check that someone understands you)
▪ I want to buy her something really special, if you know what I mean.
▪ We’re still married but living apart in the same house, if you see what I mean.
doubt if/whether
▪ You can complain, but I doubt if it’ll make any difference.
feel as if/as though
▪ When his dad left, he felt as though his world had turned upside-down.
feel as if/as though
▪ My leg feels as if it’s broken.
few if any
▪ The universities have shown few if any signs of a willingness to change.
Heaven help...if
▪ Heaven help him if he ever comes back here again!
I should...if I were you
▪ I should stay in bed if I were you.
I would...if I were you
▪ I would talk to the doctor if I were you.
If all else fails
▪ If all else fails, you may be advised to have an operation.
if anything can go wrong, it will
▪ I’m sure that if anything can go wrong, it will.
if desired
▪ Add lemon juice if desired.
if I had known/if I’d have known
▪ I wouldn’t have come if I’d known you were so busy.
if I had known/if I’d have known
▪ I wouldn’t have come if I’d known you were so busy.
if I remember rightly
▪ This photo was taken in Paris, if I remember rightly.
if it’s any comfort (=used to say something that may make someone less worried or unhappy)
▪ If it’s any comfort, you very nearly passed the exam.
If it’s any consolation
▪ If it’s any consolation, things do get easier as the child gets older.
if I’m not mistaken
▪ We bought the rug in Turkey, if I’m not mistaken.
if my memory serves (me correctly/right) (=used to say that you are almost certain you have remembered something correctly)
▪ If my memory serves me correctly, Johnson was also there.
if need be (=if it is necessary)
▪ I can work during my lunch break if need be.
if not
▪ I hope to see you tomorrow, but if not, leave me a message.
If only...would
▪ If only he would listen to me.
if possible (also if at all possible)
▪ If possible, take light exercise first thing in the morning.
if so
▪ Did Luke sell them? And, if so, what happened to the money?
if time permits (=if it finishes early enough)
▪ I’ll see you after the meeting, if time permits.
if you know what I mean
▪ Sometimes it’s better not to ask too many questions, if you know what I mean.
If you must know (=used when you are angry because someone wants to know something)
▪ If you must know, I was with James last night .
If you play your cards right
▪ Who knows? If you play your cards right, maybe he’ll marry you.
if you prefer
▪ Or, if you prefer, you can email us.
if you want (to)
▪ You can go if you want.
if you wish
▪ You may leave now, if you wish.
If...are anything to go by
▪ If his past plays are anything to go by, this should be a play worth watching.
if...so wish
▪ Parents can withdraw their child from school if they so wish.
If...then I’m a Dutchman
▪ If that ball was out, then I’m a Dutchman.
If...then
▪ If you won’t tell him, then I will.
Is it OK if
▪ Is it OK if I leave my bags here?
It helps...if
▪ It helps my concentration if I listen to music while I’m working.
It is helpful if
▪ It is helpful if we address a few key questions here.
it looks as if/as though/like (=it seems likely that)
▪ It looks as if it might rain later.
▪ It looks like they won’t be needing us any more.
It seemed as if
▪ It seemed as if the end of the world had come.
It would be nice if
▪ It would be nice if you could let us know in advance.
It wouldn’t surprise...if
▪ It wouldn’t surprise me if he married Jo.
I’d appreciate it if
▪ I’d appreciate it if you let me get on with my job.
knowing sb/if I know sb (=used to say that you expect someone to behave in a particular way because you know them well)
▪ Knowing Sumi, my note’s probably still in her pocket.
▪ He’ll be chatting up the women, if I know Ron!
look as if/as though/like
▪ He looked as if he hadn’t washed for a week.
no ifs, ands, or buts
▪ He is the best player – no ifs, ands, or buts about that.
only if
▪ I’ll tell you, but only if you don’t tell anyone else.
that’s if you don’t mind
▪ We’ll go there together – that’s if you don’t mind.
What’s the good of...if
▪ What’s the good of buying a boat if you’re too busy to use it?
where/if/as applicable
▪ Ms/Miss/Mrs/Mr Please delete as applicable.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
(I'll be/I'm) damned if ...
(I) don't mind if I do
▪ "Would you like another piece of cake?" "Thanks - don't mind if I do."
(even) if it kills me
▪ I'm going to finish this even if it kills me.
(right/as if) on cue
▪ And, as if on cue, I did.
▪ And, on cue, he heard the sound of hoofbeats ` on the wind.
▪ Dead on cue the runner hurries over to Eli to answer his question.
▪ Right on cue, a butterfly flew up to the plants we were looking at and landed!
▪ She passed a couple of groundskeepers, who turned as if on cue for a second look.
▪ She should have become angry with him for his persistence, on cue, but for some reason she didn't.
▪ The boys slashed, jumped, and shouted with enthusiasm and on cue.
▪ The sky, as if on cue, was overcast.
40/50/60 etc if he's/she's a day
I was wondering if/whether
▪ I was wondering if you could babysit tomorrow night.
▪ We were wondering if you'd like to come with us.
▪ Actually, I was wondering if I could paint the room?
▪ I guess I was wondering if people would still call me a hippie if I cut my hair off, you know.
▪ Next weekend. I was wondering if you fancied coming along for the ride.
▪ We were finally talking about bodies. I was wondering whether he would ever make a move.
I wonder if/whether
▪ I wonder if you could help me.
▪ For a few days I wondered if it could be used mysteriously in some odd and wonderful crepe batter.
▪ I didn't tell you this the other day when I made you all laugh. I wonder whether I am odd.
▪ I let a moment pass. I wondered if I could just shut up and let the subject die.
▪ I was beginning to enjoy the game. I wondered if she was enjoying it too.
▪ In fact, I wonder if, ethically, we should even be asking people to organize.
▪ It was by now that and I wondered whether chilli had been a good choice for a hot meal.
▪ Mind you, I wonder if, at their age, they realise that kippers are smoked herrings.
▪ Mr. Howard I wonder whether the hon. Gentleman is citing Lambeth council as a model of efficiency and good practice.
I would be glad if
I would be grateful if you could/would ...
▪ I would be grateful if you could tell me anything about the guitar.
▪ I would be grateful if you could tell me where I can get hold of such posters.
▪ I would be grateful if you would examine Exhibit A. Do you recognise it?
▪ If you will be attending the site visit, I would be grateful if you could complete the tear-off slip below.
▪ This will take place at the above address on and I would be grateful if you could attend at.
I would prefer it if
▪ I'd prefer it if you would not insult my friends.
▪ I would prefer it if we had a bigger house, but we can't afford it.
I'd be obliged if
I'll be darned if ...
I'll be hanged if
I'm buggered if ...
If I should die, think only this of me:/That there's some corner of a foreign field/That is forever England
as if .../as though ...
▪ Brian shook his head as if to say "don't trust her."
▪ It sounds as though she's been really sick.
▪ Joe always sounds as if he's drunk.
▪ Mandy felt as if they were all against her.
▪ You look as if you're having a good time.
▪ You make it seem as if you're being overworked.
▪ All of them stared at him intently, as though trying to understand something.
▪ Blank-faced, she looked as though she had been drained of all sensation.
▪ Everyone's looking as though it's wonderful but it's a din!
▪ He worked to dispel his doubts about his friend as though to pass another test, like his ordeal in the park.
▪ I felt as though I were plunging into something new and quite abnormal.
▪ It was as though some one had burgled my heart and taken away something that meant a great deal to me.
▪ It was as though there were only seven loaves and seven fishes.
▪ She cried then, and went on crying for a week, mourning Fanshawe as though he were dead.
as if I cared!
as if/as though/like you own the place
be nothing if not sth
▪ That kid is nothing if not noisy.
▪ But Yeltsin is nothing if not a risk-taker.
▪ He was nothing if not vain.
▪ Herbert Wadlough is nothing if not reliable.
▪ Shelley's prose is nothing if not inspired and inspiring.
▪ The plan was nothing if not complicated.
▪ The Suffolk farmhouse was nothing if not practical.
▪ The World Wide Web is nothing if not a participatory medium.
correct me if I'm wrong
▪ Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you say you'd never met him before?
correct me if I'm wrong
damned if you do, damned if you don't
darned if I know
even if
▪ Even if he gets accepted to Harvard, he won't be able to afford the tuition.
▪ Even if the government survives this crisis, they still face enormous problems
▪ He's going to buy the farm even if they raise the price
▪ You should always exercise -- even if it's only 10 minutes a day.
▪ Athletes are a mirror of society, even if sometimes their images are blown out of proportion.
▪ But even if that is the case, you might be well ahead by taking the loan.
▪ Can educators regulate the contents of school-sponsored publications or plays even if they do not cause disruption?
▪ He later said he had been prepared to go ahead with the attack even if it led to war.
▪ In such a revolution, even if it is bloodless, complete justice can never be attained.
▪ It is still rationalized by an elaborate and traditional, even if meretricious, theory of consumer demand.
▪ Scars Of Sweet Paradise is worth reading as a slice of cultural history, even if one has no interest in Joplin.
for all the world as if/as though/like
how about if ... ?
if (the) occasion arises
if (the) truth be known/told
▪ After all, I am not so different from anyone else, if the truth be known.
▪ He could never, if the truth were told, stand against his wife.
▪ He looked lonely, if the truth were told.
▪ I bet they did it worse than us if the truth was known.
▪ I puzzle a lot, if the truth be known.
▪ I suppose if the truth was known, I was narked at being pushed around.
▪ Nearly thirteen and a half if the truth be known.
▪ You'd rather have a day out at York racecourse than at Headingley if truth were known, wouldn't you?
if I had my way
▪ If I had my way, there'd be a baseball game every day of the year.
▪ Well, I would ban them too if I had my way.
if I may be so bold
▪ And what, if I may be so bold, is the meaning of this note?
if I may say so
▪ And his manner was, if I may say so, more relaxed, almost like an aristocrat.
▪ And if I may say so, they seem more useful than yours.
▪ For my interior vision, if I may say so, it still works.
▪ Now, you're a plants-woman of no small renown, if I may say so, your ladyship.
▪ Suicidal, if I may say so.
▪ Unlike, if I may say so, the dabblings of your brother in the theology of physics.
▪ Very sexist of you to assume otherwise, if I may say so.
if anything
▪ But his father said, not a bit; hardened if anything.
▪ But what, if anything, can they do with all this information?
▪ He asked if anything was the matter.
▪ I'd wager that, if anything, people's tastes are getting more diverse these days than they used to be.
▪ In this case you will only be responsible for the balance, if anything.
▪ No-one ever heard what, if anything, she told them; but the hives grew amazingly heavy.
▪ That percentage had, if anything, dropped by 2015.
▪ Truth was, I more than once looked back over my shoulder to see if anything was following me.
if ever there was one
▪ A crazy notion if ever there was one.
▪ An obstinate fellow, if ever there was one, and a very elusive one too.
▪ Exercise is the original fountain of youth if ever there was one.
▪ He is a product of the system if ever there was one.
▪ Here is a time warp if ever there was one.
▪ My favourite Caithness loch is Heilen, near Castletown; an expert's loch if ever there was one.
▪ My son, however, is a sports fanatic if ever there was one.
if it ain't broke, don't fix it
if it wasn't/weren't for sb/sth
if it wasn't/weren't for sb/sth
if looks could kill
if nothing else
▪ If nothing else, the report points out the need for better math education.
▪ It's boring, but if nothing else, I can get my homework done.
▪ And a strike, if nothing else, creates lots of opportunities.
▪ At the very least, if nothing else is available, works should be rinsed with lots of cold water.
▪ Everybody knew each other, and had grown up in proximity, if nothing else.
▪ Good manners, if nothing else, decreed that she stayed.
▪ On this, if nothing else, both left and right can certainly agree.
▪ The formulation of classifications provides, if nothing else, mental exercise for geomorphologists.
▪ There must be a Rafferty son who could at least do some digging, if nothing else.
▪ Used to be that Republicans were if nothing else, civil human beings.
if only
▪ A compelling performance consequence can always be found, if only you choose to find, communicate, and manage toward it.
▪ He may have survived if only he could have found it.
▪ I am setting off next Wednesday ... Ah, if only we had clarinets too!
▪ Oh ma'am if only I had shown myself strong in the face of temptation!
▪ Oh, if only he were different!
▪ She was certain that if only they could get away, he'd go superbly over this country.
▪ Women needed men, if only to get out of the company of other women.
if poss
▪ Reply guaranteed, if poss a photo, but not essential- Well, don't just sit there - get scribbling!
▪ Seeks anyone anywhere 18+ for penpals and friends Only one qualification required - fabulous sense of humour Photo if poss, please.
if the cap fits (, wear it)
if the worst comes to the worst
if you ask me
▪ All this stuff about poisons in the water supply is a load of hogwash, if you ask me.
▪ He's just plain crazy if you ask me.
▪ If you ask me, getting rid of the death tax is the best thing they could do.
▪ But the policeman wouldn't even have noticed, if you ask me.
▪ Good for him, if you ask me.
▪ Hanging around the house with a parson has saved the day, if you ask me.
▪ He's too keen, if you ask me.
▪ I give him my input if he asks me.
▪ Looks as if it should have been done hours ago, if you ask me.
▪ The bloke who made up those tests was the real loony if you ask me.
▪ There's more dies than lives in these alleys, if you ask me.
if you believe that, you'll believe anything
if you can't beat 'em, join 'em
if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen
if you don't mind
▪ I'm going to close the window, if you don't mind.
if you don't mind my saying so/if you don't mind me asking
if you insist
▪ "Let's invite them over for dinner." "OK, if you insist."
▪ And if I insisted he came with me, he'd likely cause trouble, just as he said.
▪ Call it adultery if you insist.
▪ He thought it would probably confuse them if he insisted on their moving on.
▪ However, if they insist on collecting the fee, dump them.
▪ However, if you insist on sawing the post in place, brace it firmly.
▪ Probably not, if one insists absolutely on the principle of non-repetition.
▪ This only comes as a shock if we insist on seeing Theo in terms of sainthood.
if you know what's good for you
▪ If you know what's good for you, you'll do what I tell you.
▪ You'll just keep your mouth shut about this if you know what's good for you!
if you know what's good for you
if you like
▪ And here, keep my purse if you like, till I come back.
▪ Here in Naples you've got a balance, if you like.
▪ I asked if she liked living in this country.
▪ She smiled like she meant it, as if she liked everything around her.
▪ That's if he likes you.
▪ Viscount Muckraker, if you like - but you?
▪ We could get it over with right now if you like.
▪ You and Ugo can go now if you like, Anna.
if you must (do sth)
▪ "Who was that girl?" "Well, if you must know, her name is Mabel."
▪ If you must travel at night in dangerous areas, turn on the interior light in your car.
▪ But I was extremely jealous of him, if you must know.
▪ But if you must know, Mrs. Jewkes was present.
▪ But if you must...
▪ It's better not to use a flannel, but if you must, keep a separate one. 6.
▪ Look, if you must know!
▪ These people here have so little conception of our world that sometimes I feel myself as if I must have dreamed it.
▪ Very well, she'd tell them, leave if you must, but I want no abuse, is that clear?
▪ What good was freedom if he must give up his home to win it?
if you must know
▪ April 14, if you must know.
▪ But I was extremely jealous of him, if you must know.
▪ But if you must know, Mrs. Jewkes was present.
▪ I had a bad dose of influenza, if you must know.
▪ It's my sister Rose's birthday on Sunday, if you must know.
▪ More than enough, if you must know.
if you please
▪ Spell it for me, if you please.
▪ Bring me a bottle, if you please.
▪ Doctor Illingworth, to you, sir, if you please!
▪ Mr Justice Blackstone, if you please.
▪ Nor friends to vipers, if you please.
▪ The reader may watch it if he pleases, it exists for itself, not for him.
▪ They are being forced - by politicians, if you please, as if politics were something serious like money - to compete.
▪ Three meters, if you please!
▪ We were in the White House, if you please, and he wanted us to leave the room.
if you think ..., you've got another think coming!
▪ If they think it's going to be an easy game, they've got another think coming!
if you want
▪ He could make it warmer if he wanted to.
▪ If I wanted to survive, I had no choice.
▪ If you want anything, ring.
▪ If you want to be kind, the character can find himself manacled to the wall in one of the empty cells.
▪ If you want to have a life together, fine.
▪ If you want to hear it, you have to drive it.
▪ If you wanted some, that wasn't the avenue to go down.
▪ Let me tell you where to hold these classes if you want it to work out.
if you'll pardon the expression
▪ It's time that guy got off his ass, if you'll pardon the expression.
if you've got it, flaunt it
if/when (you're) in doubt
▪ Always be ready to release during the take-off run and if in doubt, abandon the take-off.
▪ But if in doubt, ask!
▪ In other words, if in doubt, don't take a chance.
▪ The first is a good motto: when in doubt, take them out.
▪ The soldier's motto, Price had told the men: when in doubt go forward.
▪ When in doubt or when scared or when pressed, count.
▪ When in doubt, you take.
it's not as if
▪ And it's not as if I've gone off it within myself.
▪ It's not as if I have a sister or brother to worry about.
▪ It's not as if I haven't got any.
▪ It's not as if I worked for a large network news show.
▪ It's not as if there was a stash of notes that he could extort from Stone and take away with him.
▪ It's not as if we're like bus drivers or air traffic controllers.
▪ Plus, it's not as if the Barn Burners, Helm's current band, is a household name.
like magic/as if by magic
look as if you've been dragged through a hedge backwards
make as if to do sth
▪ Hardin made as if to rise from his seat.
▪ Then he made as if to resume their embrace, but Polly raised a hand to stop him.
nice work if you can get it
not if I can help it
▪ "Are you going to stay very long?" "Not if I can help it."
see if I care!
what if ...?
▪ What if your plan doesn't work?
when/if it comes to the point
when/if push comes to shove
when/if the need arises
▪ They are ready to fight if the need arises.
▪ Alterations to your flight details sometimes occur for operational reasons and we reserve the right to make these if the need arises.
▪ As and when the need arises, sub-committees will be established to consider specific environmental issues.
▪ Families, too, are a great source of help and are roped in when the need arises.
▪ Her powers seem curiously independent of age, and she can call upon extraordinary sources of energy when the need arises.
▪ In fact, they could prop up the Conservative Government for a fifth term, if the need arises!
▪ The other side of this coin is an impressive surge capability on hand when the need arises.
▪ They remain like this motionless with the woman stemming any premature ejaculatory urges by squeeze control, if the need arises.
you haven't lived (if/until ...)
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
▪ If I drink too much coffee, I have to run to the bathroom all day long.
▪ If she does well in her exams, she will be going to college in October.
▪ If taken in small doses, the drug has no harmful effects.
▪ If you call Ann now, she should still be home.
▪ If you do that again I'll hit you.
▪ Do you know if we have to work on Christmas Eve?
▪ Do you think I'd be here if I had a choice?
▪ I'll give you twenty pounds if you fix my computer for me.
▪ I believe you sell video cameras. If so, please would you send me a price list?
▪ I don't care if my boss fires me - I'm still going to tell him what I think.
▪ I have a drill. If you like, you can borrow it.
▪ I know I look tired. So would you if you had this house, a husband, and three children to look after.
▪ I wonder if Matt's home yet.
▪ It's a really fast car, if a little expensive.
▪ The plastic will melt if it gets too hot.
▪ Use live natural yoghurt, full-fat if possible.
▪ We'll have to leave Monday if it snows today.
▪ We're prepared to work all through the night if necessary.
II.nounPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
(I'll be/I'm) damned if ...
(I) don't mind if I do
▪ "Would you like another piece of cake?" "Thanks - don't mind if I do."
(even) if it kills me
▪ I'm going to finish this even if it kills me.
(right/as if) on cue
▪ And, as if on cue, I did.
▪ And, on cue, he heard the sound of hoofbeats ` on the wind.
▪ Dead on cue the runner hurries over to Eli to answer his question.
▪ Right on cue, a butterfly flew up to the plants we were looking at and landed!
▪ She passed a couple of groundskeepers, who turned as if on cue for a second look.
▪ She should have become angry with him for his persistence, on cue, but for some reason she didn't.
▪ The boys slashed, jumped, and shouted with enthusiasm and on cue.
▪ The sky, as if on cue, was overcast.
40/50/60 etc if he's/she's a day
I was wondering if/whether
▪ I was wondering if you could babysit tomorrow night.
▪ We were wondering if you'd like to come with us.
▪ Actually, I was wondering if I could paint the room?
▪ I guess I was wondering if people would still call me a hippie if I cut my hair off, you know.
▪ Next weekend. I was wondering if you fancied coming along for the ride.
▪ We were finally talking about bodies. I was wondering whether he would ever make a move.
I wonder if/whether
▪ I wonder if you could help me.
▪ For a few days I wondered if it could be used mysteriously in some odd and wonderful crepe batter.
▪ I didn't tell you this the other day when I made you all laugh. I wonder whether I am odd.
▪ I let a moment pass. I wondered if I could just shut up and let the subject die.
▪ I was beginning to enjoy the game. I wondered if she was enjoying it too.
▪ In fact, I wonder if, ethically, we should even be asking people to organize.
▪ It was by now that and I wondered whether chilli had been a good choice for a hot meal.
▪ Mind you, I wonder if, at their age, they realise that kippers are smoked herrings.
▪ Mr. Howard I wonder whether the hon. Gentleman is citing Lambeth council as a model of efficiency and good practice.
I would be glad if
I would be grateful if you could/would ...
▪ I would be grateful if you could tell me anything about the guitar.
▪ I would be grateful if you could tell me where I can get hold of such posters.
▪ I would be grateful if you would examine Exhibit A. Do you recognise it?
▪ If you will be attending the site visit, I would be grateful if you could complete the tear-off slip below.
▪ This will take place at the above address on and I would be grateful if you could attend at.
I would prefer it if
▪ I'd prefer it if you would not insult my friends.
▪ I would prefer it if we had a bigger house, but we can't afford it.
I'd be obliged if
I'll be darned if ...
I'll be hanged if
I'm buggered if ...
If I should die, think only this of me:/That there's some corner of a foreign field/That is forever England
as if .../as though ...
▪ Brian shook his head as if to say "don't trust her."
▪ It sounds as though she's been really sick.
▪ Joe always sounds as if he's drunk.
▪ Mandy felt as if they were all against her.
▪ You look as if you're having a good time.
▪ You make it seem as if you're being overworked.
▪ All of them stared at him intently, as though trying to understand something.
▪ Blank-faced, she looked as though she had been drained of all sensation.
▪ Everyone's looking as though it's wonderful but it's a din!
▪ He worked to dispel his doubts about his friend as though to pass another test, like his ordeal in the park.
▪ I felt as though I were plunging into something new and quite abnormal.
▪ It was as though some one had burgled my heart and taken away something that meant a great deal to me.
▪ It was as though there were only seven loaves and seven fishes.
▪ She cried then, and went on crying for a week, mourning Fanshawe as though he were dead.
as if I cared!
as if/as though/like you own the place
be nothing if not sth
▪ That kid is nothing if not noisy.
▪ But Yeltsin is nothing if not a risk-taker.
▪ He was nothing if not vain.
▪ Herbert Wadlough is nothing if not reliable.
▪ Shelley's prose is nothing if not inspired and inspiring.
▪ The plan was nothing if not complicated.
▪ The Suffolk farmhouse was nothing if not practical.
▪ The World Wide Web is nothing if not a participatory medium.
correct me if I'm wrong
▪ Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you say you'd never met him before?
correct me if I'm wrong
damned if you do, damned if you don't
darned if I know
even if
▪ Even if he gets accepted to Harvard, he won't be able to afford the tuition.
▪ Even if the government survives this crisis, they still face enormous problems
▪ He's going to buy the farm even if they raise the price
▪ You should always exercise -- even if it's only 10 minutes a day.
▪ Athletes are a mirror of society, even if sometimes their images are blown out of proportion.
▪ But even if that is the case, you might be well ahead by taking the loan.
▪ Can educators regulate the contents of school-sponsored publications or plays even if they do not cause disruption?
▪ He later said he had been prepared to go ahead with the attack even if it led to war.
▪ In such a revolution, even if it is bloodless, complete justice can never be attained.
▪ It is still rationalized by an elaborate and traditional, even if meretricious, theory of consumer demand.
▪ Scars Of Sweet Paradise is worth reading as a slice of cultural history, even if one has no interest in Joplin.
for all the world as if/as though/like
how about if ... ?
if (the) occasion arises
if (the) truth be known/told
▪ After all, I am not so different from anyone else, if the truth be known.
▪ He could never, if the truth were told, stand against his wife.
▪ He looked lonely, if the truth were told.
▪ I bet they did it worse than us if the truth was known.
▪ I puzzle a lot, if the truth be known.
▪ I suppose if the truth was known, I was narked at being pushed around.
▪ Nearly thirteen and a half if the truth be known.
▪ You'd rather have a day out at York racecourse than at Headingley if truth were known, wouldn't you?
if I had my way
▪ If I had my way, there'd be a baseball game every day of the year.
▪ Well, I would ban them too if I had my way.
if I may be so bold
▪ And what, if I may be so bold, is the meaning of this note?
if I may say so
▪ And his manner was, if I may say so, more relaxed, almost like an aristocrat.
▪ And if I may say so, they seem more useful than yours.
▪ For my interior vision, if I may say so, it still works.
▪ Now, you're a plants-woman of no small renown, if I may say so, your ladyship.
▪ Suicidal, if I may say so.
▪ Unlike, if I may say so, the dabblings of your brother in the theology of physics.
▪ Very sexist of you to assume otherwise, if I may say so.
if anything
▪ But his father said, not a bit; hardened if anything.
▪ But what, if anything, can they do with all this information?
▪ He asked if anything was the matter.
▪ I'd wager that, if anything, people's tastes are getting more diverse these days than they used to be.
▪ In this case you will only be responsible for the balance, if anything.
▪ No-one ever heard what, if anything, she told them; but the hives grew amazingly heavy.
▪ That percentage had, if anything, dropped by 2015.
▪ Truth was, I more than once looked back over my shoulder to see if anything was following me.
if ever there was one
▪ A crazy notion if ever there was one.
▪ An obstinate fellow, if ever there was one, and a very elusive one too.
▪ Exercise is the original fountain of youth if ever there was one.
▪ He is a product of the system if ever there was one.
▪ Here is a time warp if ever there was one.
▪ My favourite Caithness loch is Heilen, near Castletown; an expert's loch if ever there was one.
▪ My son, however, is a sports fanatic if ever there was one.
if it ain't broke, don't fix it
if it wasn't/weren't for sb/sth
if it wasn't/weren't for sb/sth
if looks could kill
if nothing else
▪ If nothing else, the report points out the need for better math education.
▪ It's boring, but if nothing else, I can get my homework done.
▪ And a strike, if nothing else, creates lots of opportunities.
▪ At the very least, if nothing else is available, works should be rinsed with lots of cold water.
▪ Everybody knew each other, and had grown up in proximity, if nothing else.
▪ Good manners, if nothing else, decreed that she stayed.
▪ On this, if nothing else, both left and right can certainly agree.
▪ The formulation of classifications provides, if nothing else, mental exercise for geomorphologists.
▪ There must be a Rafferty son who could at least do some digging, if nothing else.
▪ Used to be that Republicans were if nothing else, civil human beings.
if only
▪ A compelling performance consequence can always be found, if only you choose to find, communicate, and manage toward it.
▪ He may have survived if only he could have found it.
▪ I am setting off next Wednesday ... Ah, if only we had clarinets too!
▪ Oh ma'am if only I had shown myself strong in the face of temptation!
▪ Oh, if only he were different!
▪ She was certain that if only they could get away, he'd go superbly over this country.
▪ Women needed men, if only to get out of the company of other women.
if poss
▪ Reply guaranteed, if poss a photo, but not essential- Well, don't just sit there - get scribbling!
▪ Seeks anyone anywhere 18+ for penpals and friends Only one qualification required - fabulous sense of humour Photo if poss, please.
if the cap fits (, wear it)
if you ask me
▪ All this stuff about poisons in the water supply is a load of hogwash, if you ask me.
▪ He's just plain crazy if you ask me.
▪ If you ask me, getting rid of the death tax is the best thing they could do.
▪ But the policeman wouldn't even have noticed, if you ask me.
▪ Good for him, if you ask me.
▪ Hanging around the house with a parson has saved the day, if you ask me.
▪ He's too keen, if you ask me.
▪ I give him my input if he asks me.
▪ Looks as if it should have been done hours ago, if you ask me.
▪ The bloke who made up those tests was the real loony if you ask me.
▪ There's more dies than lives in these alleys, if you ask me.
if you believe that, you'll believe anything
if you can't beat 'em, join 'em
if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen
if you don't mind
▪ I'm going to close the window, if you don't mind.
if you don't mind my saying so/if you don't mind me asking
if you insist
▪ "Let's invite them over for dinner." "OK, if you insist."
▪ And if I insisted he came with me, he'd likely cause trouble, just as he said.
▪ Call it adultery if you insist.
▪ He thought it would probably confuse them if he insisted on their moving on.
▪ However, if they insist on collecting the fee, dump them.
▪ However, if you insist on sawing the post in place, brace it firmly.
▪ Probably not, if one insists absolutely on the principle of non-repetition.
▪ This only comes as a shock if we insist on seeing Theo in terms of sainthood.
if you know what's good for you
▪ If you know what's good for you, you'll do what I tell you.
▪ You'll just keep your mouth shut about this if you know what's good for you!
if you know what's good for you
if you like
▪ And here, keep my purse if you like, till I come back.
▪ Here in Naples you've got a balance, if you like.
▪ I asked if she liked living in this country.
▪ She smiled like she meant it, as if she liked everything around her.
▪ That's if he likes you.
▪ Viscount Muckraker, if you like - but you?
▪ We could get it over with right now if you like.
▪ You and Ugo can go now if you like, Anna.
if you must (do sth)
▪ "Who was that girl?" "Well, if you must know, her name is Mabel."
▪ If you must travel at night in dangerous areas, turn on the interior light in your car.
▪ But I was extremely jealous of him, if you must know.
▪ But if you must know, Mrs. Jewkes was present.
▪ But if you must...
▪ It's better not to use a flannel, but if you must, keep a separate one. 6.
▪ Look, if you must know!
▪ These people here have so little conception of our world that sometimes I feel myself as if I must have dreamed it.
▪ Very well, she'd tell them, leave if you must, but I want no abuse, is that clear?
▪ What good was freedom if he must give up his home to win it?
if you must know
▪ April 14, if you must know.
▪ But I was extremely jealous of him, if you must know.
▪ But if you must know, Mrs. Jewkes was present.
▪ I had a bad dose of influenza, if you must know.
▪ It's my sister Rose's birthday on Sunday, if you must know.
▪ More than enough, if you must know.
if you please
▪ Spell it for me, if you please.
▪ Bring me a bottle, if you please.
▪ Doctor Illingworth, to you, sir, if you please!
▪ Mr Justice Blackstone, if you please.
▪ Nor friends to vipers, if you please.
▪ The reader may watch it if he pleases, it exists for itself, not for him.
▪ They are being forced - by politicians, if you please, as if politics were something serious like money - to compete.
▪ Three meters, if you please!
▪ We were in the White House, if you please, and he wanted us to leave the room.
if you think ..., you've got another think coming!
▪ If they think it's going to be an easy game, they've got another think coming!
if you want
▪ He could make it warmer if he wanted to.
▪ If I wanted to survive, I had no choice.
▪ If you want anything, ring.
▪ If you want to be kind, the character can find himself manacled to the wall in one of the empty cells.
▪ If you want to have a life together, fine.
▪ If you want to hear it, you have to drive it.
▪ If you wanted some, that wasn't the avenue to go down.
▪ Let me tell you where to hold these classes if you want it to work out.
if you'll pardon the expression
▪ It's time that guy got off his ass, if you'll pardon the expression.
if you've got it, flaunt it
if/when (you're) in doubt
▪ Always be ready to release during the take-off run and if in doubt, abandon the take-off.
▪ But if in doubt, ask!
▪ In other words, if in doubt, don't take a chance.
▪ The first is a good motto: when in doubt, take them out.
▪ The soldier's motto, Price had told the men: when in doubt go forward.
▪ When in doubt or when scared or when pressed, count.
▪ When in doubt, you take.
it's not as if
▪ And it's not as if I've gone off it within myself.
▪ It's not as if I have a sister or brother to worry about.
▪ It's not as if I haven't got any.
▪ It's not as if I worked for a large network news show.
▪ It's not as if there was a stash of notes that he could extort from Stone and take away with him.
▪ It's not as if we're like bus drivers or air traffic controllers.
▪ Plus, it's not as if the Barn Burners, Helm's current band, is a household name.
like magic/as if by magic
look as if you've been dragged through a hedge backwards
make as if to do sth
▪ Hardin made as if to rise from his seat.
▪ Then he made as if to resume their embrace, but Polly raised a hand to stop him.
nice work if you can get it
not if I can help it
▪ "Are you going to stay very long?" "Not if I can help it."
see if I care!
what if ...?
▪ What if your plan doesn't work?
when/if it comes to the point
when/if push comes to shove
when/if the need arises
▪ They are ready to fight if the need arises.
▪ Alterations to your flight details sometimes occur for operational reasons and we reserve the right to make these if the need arises.
▪ As and when the need arises, sub-committees will be established to consider specific environmental issues.
▪ Families, too, are a great source of help and are roped in when the need arises.
▪ Her powers seem curiously independent of age, and she can call upon extraordinary sources of energy when the need arises.
▪ In fact, they could prop up the Conservative Government for a fifth term, if the need arises!
▪ The other side of this coin is an impressive surge capability on hand when the need arises.
▪ They remain like this motionless with the woman stemming any premature ejaculatory urges by squeeze control, if the need arises.
you haven't lived (if/until ...)
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
▪ There are still too many ifs to know if our product will be successful.