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Is the usage of If correct in the following sentence?
If in the past the protests erupted against the continuing military rule, in February, the military usurped power from an elected government after a decade of partial democracy.
If it is correct what is its meaning?
Source: The Hindu
It's a little odd, but unless I was reading very carefully I'd skim over it. I think the meaning of the sentence is clear.
The word "if" can be used synonymously with "although"
(How do you feel after the marathon?) I feel good, if a little stiff.
I think this sense is what the author was aiming for. I would have used "Whereas"
The author is constrasting "the past" (in which there were protests against the military) with February, (in which the military staged a coup)
