Ifs Meaning in English
word · lemma: if
ˈɪfs
IFS
ˈɪfs
IFS
Definition
Used informally as a plural noun to refer to uncertain possibilities, conditions, or hypothetical situations, especially when discussing reasons or excuses for something not happening.
Usage & Nuances
'Ifs' is always informal and plural. Often appears in the phrase 'no ifs, ands, or buts,' meaning no excuses. Used when dismissing excuses or talking about hypothetical reasoning. Not used in formal writing.
Spanish: condiciones (hipotéticas) - suposicionesPortuguese (BR): se - suposições (hipotéticas)Portuguese (PT): se - suposições (hipotéticas)Chinese (Simplified): 假设 - 如果（假定条件）Chinese (Traditional): 假設 - 如果（假定條件）Hindi: यदि (कल्पना) - शर्तेंArabic: شروط افتراضية - افتراضاتBengali: যদি-তাদি - অজুহাত (অনানুষ্ঠানিকভাবেঃ সম্ভাবনা/শর্ত) Russian: если - оправдания (разг.)Japanese: もしも - 言い訳（カジュアル）Vietnamese: nếu như - lý do viện cớ (không trang trọng)Korean: 만약들 - 변명들 (비격식적)Turkish: bahaneler - 'eğer'ler (resmî olmayan)Urdu: اگر - بہانے (غیر رسمی)Indonesian: jika-jika - alasan (tidak formal)
Example Sentences
I don't want any more ifs or excuses.
basic
There are too many ifs in your plan.
basic
He tried to explain with a lot of ifs and maybes.
basic
No more ifs—just do it!
natural
She always gives a bunch of ifs when things go wrong.
natural
Life’s too short for all these ifs and doubts.
natural