Is If A Conjunction? 3 Facts(When, Why & Examples)

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Conjunctions are mainly connecting words. They can one part of a sentence to another. Now, we shall explain the word ‘if’ as a conjunction.

The word ‘if acts as a conjunction in a sentence. It can join two different categories of clauses in a sentence and makes a complex sentence.

Let us see the more facts related to ‘is if a conjunction?’.

When is ‘if’ a conjunction?

‘If’ can act as a conjunction. Now, let us examine the fact.

The word ‘if’ can be used to join two clauses together and makes a single sentence. Here we shall explain when we can use it as a conjunction. We can use ‘if’ as a conjunction in the following situations.

Look at the table below.

SituationsExamplesExplanations
1. We can use ‘if’ as a conjunction in a conditional sentence. I shall not go to school today if the weather is very bad.In this sentence, the word ‘if’ is used as a conjunction to frame a conditional sentence.
2. We use ‘if’ in an indirect speech where the answer is yes or no.My father asked me if I would do the sum.Here ‘if’ is used as a conjunction to make an indirect speech.
3.’If’ is used in a polite conversation.If you can show me the way I will be happy.In the example, the word ‘if’ has been used to show politeness.
4. We use ‘if’ to introduce a subordinate clause.If it rains I shall not go to school today.Here ‘if’ acts as conjunction and introduces the subordinate clause ‘if it rains.
5. We use ‘if’ to ask someone politely to do something.I wonder if you are kind enough to sing a song, please.In this example, ‘if’ is used as a conjunction to ask politely.
Examples of ‘if’ when as a conjunction

Why is ‘if’ a subordinating conjunction?

Subordinating conjunction frames a complex sentence by joining two opposite clauses. Let us check whether the word ‘if’ is a subordinate conjunction.

The word ‘if’ is a subordinate conjunction as it connects the main clause and a dependent clause to make a complex sentence. Let us see why ‘if’ is used as subordinating conjunction.

Look at the reasons in the table below.

SituationsExamplesExplanations
1. The word ‘if’ can join the main clause and a sub-clause.Oishiki can dance on the stage if her mother remains present there.In this sentence, the word ‘if’ joins the main clause ‘Oishiki can dance’ and the sub-clause ‘her mother remains present there.
2. We use the word ‘if’ at the beginning of a subclause.You will do well if you study much.Here the word ‘if’ is used as a subordinate clause at the beginning of a sub-clause.
Examples of ‘if’ as a subordinate conjunction

Examples of ‘if’ as subordinating conjunctions:

Look at the sentences in which ‘if’ is used to show its function as a subordinating conjunction.

ExamplesExplanations
1. The students are asked to contact the headmaster if they require any informationIn this sentence, the word ‘if’ acts as subordinate conjunction because it joins two different clauses and frames a complex sentence.
2. Please, do not go out if it rains on cats and dogs.Here ‘if’ is used join the main clause ‘please, do not go out and a sub-clause ‘if it rains cats and dogs to make a complex sentence
3. Gargi did not know if her father returned home last night.Here it is found that the word ‘if’ works in subordinate conjunction by joining two different clauses.
4. They would have gotten the job if they had the required qualification.In this example, we see the ‘if’ connects two different clauses to form a single complex sentence.
5. Daniel could watch the match if he was free yesterday.Here the word ‘if’ acts as a subordinate clause because it is used at the beginning of a sub-clause and it frames a complex sentence.
Examples of ‘if’ considered as subordinate conjunctions

Conclusion

The article will certainly provide us with enough knowledge on the right usage of the word ‘if’. We can use it very well while constructing any sentence.