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IFS

n. plural-only
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɪfs// UK //ˈɪfs// ifs

n. possible conditions or reasons that might change a situation. You use this when talking about things that are not certain yet.

n. hypothetical conditions, possibilities, or uncertainties regarding a specific outcome. Plural in form; often paired with 'ands' or 'buts' in idiomatic expressions.


SIMPLE

There are too many ifs in this plan.

CONTEXTUAL

The project might succeed, but there are several big ifs regarding the budget and the timeline.

COMPLEX

Before we sign the contract, we must address all the ifs and buts that the legal team raised during the initial review of the partnership agreement.

Usage

Typically used in the plural to describe multiple uncertainties; frequently appears in the fixed phrase 'no ifs, ands, or buts'.

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