grammar · informal
What if + clause
Ask about the consequences of a hypothetical situation; used for suggestions, worries or counterfactuals about present/past.
Examples
“What if we missed the deadline — how would we explain it?”
“What if they had invested earlier? We might be in a different position now.”
“What if the new policy reduces traffic — would commuting become easier?”
Band 8 sentence
“What if universities collaborated with local businesses to design apprenticeships—could that narrow the skills gap rapidly?”
Collocations
- What if + past simple (for present/future hypothetical)
- What if + past perfect (for past regret/counterfactual)
- What if we + V? (making a suggestion)
Common mistakes
What if we will introduce stricter laws next year?→What if we introduced stricter laws next year?
What if you leave earlier yesterday?→What if you had left earlier yesterday?
What if we will leave early to avoid traffic?→What if we left early to avoid traffic?
Say it for a higher band
5If + past simple (If we left early...)→6Suppose + clause→7+What if + clause
Synonyms
Suppose
Imagine
Easily confused
Suppose
“Suppose the experiment fails, what will be our backup plan?”
If + clause
“If it rains tomorrow, the match will be cancelled.”
Related words
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In Conditionals
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