Implied conditionals

Conditionals can be implied (i.e. not directly introduced by if) in a variety of ways: e.g.

type 1:

With luck, we'll be there by tomorrow (= if we're lucky)

Given time, they II probably agree (= if we give them time) type 2:

To hear him talk, you d think he was Prime Minister (= if you

could hear him talk)

/ would write to her but I don't know her address (= if I knew her

address)

But for his pension, he would starve (= if he didn't have) type 3:

Without your help, I couldn t have done it (= if you hadn't helped)

In different circumstances, I would have said yes (= if

circumstances had been different)

'Will' and 'would' after 'if

14.23 'If with meanings other than 'provided that' 14.23.1 'If meaning 'when'

If it rains heavily, our river floods (= on those occasions when) If meaning 'when' often refers to permanent truths. The verb in the main clause may be either will or the simple present [> 11.64]:

If you boil water, it turns (or will turn) into steam People commonly use the phrase if and when for emphasis in place of 'only when':

The dispute will end if and when both sides agree 44L23.2 'If meaning 'although' or 'even if

/'// finish this report if it kills me (i.e. even if) Subject and verb can be omitted in clauses of this sort:

He's a pleasant, if awkward lad (i.e. even if he is awkward) H.23.3 'As if in exclamations [compare > 1.47.2]

As if in this sense is common in exclamations:

As if I care whether she's offended' (= I don't care)

As if it matters/mattered! (= it doesn't matter) 14.23.4 'If in place of 'whether' [> 1.24.1, 15.18n5]

As well as introducing conditionals if also introduces indirect questions. In certain circumstances, if is more natural than whether in indirect questions:

He wants to know if he can stay to dinner

'Will' and 'would' after if

14.24 14.24.1

'If + 'will' and 'would'

'Will' and 'would' to emphasize willingness and unwillingness

- when asking others to do things/responding to offers of help: Shall I hold the door open for you? - Yes if you will/would If you will/would/could wait a moment I'll fetch the money

- with reference to someone else: If he will/would/could only try harder, I'm sure hed do well

- in polite formulas, particularly in formal contexts: I'd be grateful if you will/would let me know soon If you will/you would follow me, I'll show you the way Give me a moment if you would (or, sometimes, will)

- in direct references to willingness/unwillingness: If you will/would agree to pay us compensation we will/would agree not to take the matter any further (i-e. if you're willing) If you won't stop smoking, you can only expect to have a bad cough i. e. if you are unwilling to stop smoking - Not "wouldn't*)

14.24.2

'If + will' in Type 1 conditionals

We do not normally use a pure future will after i f. However, though rare, it is just possible when we wish to emphasize the idea of 'not now, but later'. Compare: If it suits you, I'll change the date of our meeting (Type 1) If it will suit you, (i.e. not now, but later) I'll change the date of our meeting

15 Direct and indirect speech