If can be replaced by words or expressions with a similar meaning.
The most common are:
as long as
assuming (that)
on condition (that)
on the assumption (that)
provided (that)
supposing (that)
unless
with the condition (that)
Had I known... (instead of If I had known...)
Were you my daughter,... (instead of: If you were my daughter,...)
Should you need my advice,... (instead of: If you should need my advice,...)
if and when are interchangeable when the statement of the conditional clause is a fact or a general issue (also known as zero conditonal)
| If you heat ice, it melts. |
| When you heat ice, it melts. |
if is used for something that, according to the speaker, might happen.
| We can spend the afternoon on the beach if the weather is fine. |
when is used for something that, according to the speaker, will happen.
| I will clean up the kitchen right away when I'm back from work. |
in case of can be used to shorten an if-clause as shown below:
| If there is a fire, leave the room. | In case of fire, leave the room. |
While if expresses a condition (1), in case is used to express a possibility (2).
| (1) | I need painkillers if I'm in severe pain. |
| (2) | I need painkillers in case I'm in severe pain. |
The expression just in case is used pretty much the same way.
| I got you a pizza just in case you were hungry. (I don't know whether you are hungry.) |
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