what if
Used to introduce a suggestion or proposal for a future eventUsed to introduce a suggestion or proposal for a future event.
» What if the problem isn't Tom?
Was, wenn das Problem nicht Tom ist?
Что, если проблема не в Томе?
А що, якщо проблема не в Томі?
Meaning
3 senses(not comparable)Used to introduce a suggestion or proposal for a future event.
What if we arrange it for 9:00 instead of 10:00?
was wenn
(not comparable)Used to introduce a speculation about a future event.
What if we could learn to get along? What would happen then?
(not comparable)Used to introduce a speculation about a past event. Often the basis for counterfactual historical interpretations.
What if Abraham Lincoln had not been assassinated? How might the Reconstruction of the Southern States have been handled?
Examples
674 sentencesWhat if the problem isn't Tom?
А що, якщо проблема не в Томі? — deniko
ruЧто, если проблема не в Томе? — marafon
deWas, wenn das Problem nicht Tom ist? — Naina
What if Tom doesn't come back?
Що, якщо Том не повернеться? — deniko
ruЧто, если Том не вернётся? — marafon
What if we don't find Tom?
А що, якщо ми не знайдемо Тома? — deniko
ruЧто, если мы не найдем Тома? — sharptoothed
What if Tom doesn't do that?
А що, якщо Том цього не зробить? — deniko
deWas ist, wenn Tom das nicht tut? — raggione
What if Tom did do that?
А що, якщо Том насправді це зробив? — deniko
Translations
6 languagesBy meaning 1
Origin
Dates back at least to Old English hwæt ġif, of the same meaning. A similar expression occDates back at least to Old English hwæt ġif, of the same meaning. A similar expression occurs in Latin in the Vulgate, Acts 23:9, "Factus est autem clamor magnus. Et surgentes quidam pharisaeorum, pugnabant, decentes: Nihil mali inveniumus in homine isto: quid si Spiritus locutus est ei, aut angelus?" ("And there arose a great cry. And some of the Pharisees rising up, strove, saying: We find no evil in this man. What if a spirit hath spoken to him, or an angel?" Douay-Rheims translation)
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