Different usages of "if"

Question

'I would like to know what will happen to me if I turn down his offer'. I know that this sentence is correct in meaning and grammar, but I would like to know if the meaning would change if I say 'I would like to know if I turn down his offer, what will happen to me' I think although the meaning is the same, because of different usage of 'if', I think the structure of the second is kind of weird and confusing to me. What do native English speakers think? Thank you as usual for helping me and taking your time.

Regards · Accepted Answer

Hi,

The meaning wouldn't change, but the second sentence doesn't flow so freely because of the

phrase I would like to know that precedes the if-clause. Stick to the first one: it sounds more natural to me.

Regards

CalifJim · Answer

Anonymousdifferent usage of 'if'

I don't see that the usage of 'if' is different. It seems to me like very much the same usage of 'if' in both sentences.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you both so much!! And what I meant was the different usage of 'if' in different sentences like 'know / wonder / ask, etc, + if S+V' and 'if' as a conjunction for adverbial clauses. I am sorry about not making it clear. So although the both example sentences are fine, the first is more natural to you native English speakers? Did I understand you right? Thank you.

CalifJim · Answer

Anonymousthe first is more natural to you native English speakers?

That's right.

CJ

Different usages of "if"

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