VARIOUS STRUCTURES WITH IF 1. If with happen to : "Happen to" is used to suggest that something happens by chance . It is often used with If . If you happen to pass a baker's , pick me up a loaf , would you ? "should happen to" can be used together. If you should happen to finish early , give me a ring . 2. If so and If not : These are two useful expressions which are used instead of complete sentences . Have you got a free evening next week ? If so , let's have dinner .(=If you have , let's ... ) Is anybody feeling cold ? If not , let's put the central heating off . 3. If I'd have : In Informal spoken English , an extra have is sometimes put into if-clauses referring to the past This is considered "incorrect" and is not normally written , but it is common even in educated people's speech . If I'd have known I'd have told you . (=If I had known ....) 4. If meaning Although : In a rather formal style of English , "if" can be used with a similar meaning to (al)though . This is most common in the structure If + adjective ( with no verb ) . "If" does not give so much importance as (all)though to the contrast , exception or concession that is referred to . His style , if mannered , is pleasant to read . The profits , if a little lower than last year's , are still extremely healthy . Conditionals Home Page