I’ve got a problem with the usage of some idioms, which can be replaced by some simple words; I wanted to know that the structure remains the same or not? For example in this conditional statement: “If I finished my tasks, I could rest.” In this case, if I want to use “if and it’s a big if” as the simple “if” to emphasise more, will the structure remain the same? “If and it’s a big if I finished my tasks, I could rest.” Does it make sense? Thank you so much
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3I would punctuate: If, and it’s a big if, I finished my tasks, I could rest. The words 'and it's a big if' may be omitted and are parenthetical, and you may see parentheses used: If (and it’s a big if) I finished my tasks, I could rest.– Michael HarveyCommented Mar 27, 2022 at 16:01
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Thank you so much for your succinct explanation🙏🏽– sourena saeedzadehCommented Mar 27, 2022 at 16:21
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For spoken English written down, don't use parentheses.– LambieCommented May 31, 2022 at 18:40
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1 Answer
I think "If, and it’s a big if, I finished my tasks, I could rest" is correct and normal, but "If I finished my tasks, and that’s a big if, I could rest" sounds more natural to me. Just my opinion. Both are more or less the same.
