Reply #255: There is a difference between outright [View All]

calling someone a Moron or Loon and saying If the shoe fits... If implys if the action are they are, if they are not, they are not....

if —conj. 1 introducing a conditional clause: a on the condition or supposition that; in the event that (if he comes I will tell him; if you are tired we can rest). b (with past tense) implying that the condition is not fulfilled (if I knew I would say). 2 even though (I'll finish it, if it takes me all day). 3 whenever (if I am not sure I ask). 4 whether (see if you can find it). 5 expressing a wish, surprise, or request (if I could just try!; if it isn't my old hat!; if you wouldn't mind?). —n. condition, supposition (too many ifs about it).  if only 1 even if for no other reason than (I'll come if only to see her). 2 (often ellipt.) expression of regret; I wish that (if only I had thought of it).

ON EDIT: I draw your attention to post #239