"If" or "if": whether a comma is needed

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

It depends on several conditions.

With the help of the compound union "in case (,) if", subordinate clauses are joined. There are two options for punctuation:

• The union is dismembered - a comma is placed before the "if", but before the entire union is not needed.
• The comma is placed before the entire union (that is, before "in case"), not before "if".

When the union is dismembered

1. If there is a negative particle “not” in front of it.

Call him not in case of problems, but just like that

2. If before the union there are amplifying, restrictive and other particles, introductory words, adverbs.

• Send the letter only if there is no other way out.
• Better not tell him about it. Of course, in case you haven't told yet.

3. If the first part of a compound union is included in a series of homogeneous members of a sentence or parallel structures.

She is always happy with the weather: on cloudy days, when it is difficult to breathe because of the heat, and if it is raining heavily

4. If a logical stress falls on the first part of the union: "in the case" is intonationally highlighted, and after it a small pause is assumed. The author himself decides whether to focus on the first part of the union and whether to put a comma.

• I repeat, serious consequences are possible if you do not follow your doctor's instructions.
• I will call you if necessary.

When a union is not separated by a comma

In other situations, a comma is needed only before the entire union.

• I’m curious to know, if I don’t eat these pies, will they be left for tomorrow.
• Tell me, in case they call me, that I am very busy in the near future.
• In case it starts to rain, go to the bus stop.