{"id":50848,"date":"2019-06-11T01:15:58","date_gmt":"2019-06-11T01:15:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/127.0.0.1\/aee\/aee-1171-if-anything-if-ever-how-natives-use-these-helpful-chunks-in-english\/"},"modified":"2023-04-25T15:45:22","modified_gmt":"2023-04-25T15:45:22","slug":"aee-1171-if-anything-if-ever-how-natives-use-these-helpful-chunks-in-english","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.allearsenglish.com\/aee-1171-if-anything-if-ever-how-natives-use-these-helpful-chunks-in-english\/","title":{"rendered":"AEE 1171: If Anything? If Ever? How Natives Use These Helpful Chunks in English"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Have you heard somebody say \u201cif anything\u201d in natural English conversations?<\/p>\n

Have you ever heard \u201cif ever\u201d used in English?<\/p>\n

These are the phrases that are so common, and yet you want to be sure that you understand how they work.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re going to look at these phrases, their differences, and how to use them in conversation so that you can connect naturally with native English speakers.<\/a><\/p>\n

Today we have a listener question about using the phrase \u201cif anything,\u201d which as you will find, can be a helpful little chunk. <\/p>\n

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Here is a question from a listener of All Ears English:<\/p>\n

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I have been a two year listener, and your podcast is part of my life. I can\u2019t thank you lovely gals enough! Sweet kiss to the baby boy! <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The other day while I listened to NPR , I heard the phrase \u201cIf anything, it\u2019s quite the opposite..: Could you help me with this cute little expression \u201cif anything\u201d? Does \u201cif ever\u201d mean pretty much the same?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Can\u2019t wait to see you in China! <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Best wishes,<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Lorena<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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How Does This Work?<\/strong><\/p>\n

So what does \u201cif anything\u201d mean?<\/p>\n

There are many different uses, but we are going to stay focused on some basics. <\/p>\n

Basically, a great way to use it is when you are saying something that is the opposite of what is expected.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s to show a bit of an extreme and it can really help to convey that something is far different than you might expect.<\/p>\n

An example might be for you to say something like \u201cI\u2019m not tired, if anything I actually have a little too much energy.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s as if to show that you are defying the example that you are given or trying to show a sharp contrast.<\/p>\n

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Different Uses For This<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is the umbrella definition, but this can be helpful for many reasons.<\/p>\n

So while you might use \u201cif anything\u201d often, there are other ways to use this too.<\/p>\n

Two possible ways to use this include:<\/p>\n

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  1. Expressing an opinion:<\/strong> You almost use this to show a contrast, often between negative and positive. It may not necessarily be obvious at first or a sharp contrast, but it can be. \u201cShe\u2019s not rude. If anything, she tries way too hard to be nice.\u201d The first part here is of course a bit negative in nature. <\/li>\n
  2. Being a little less direct:<\/strong> This may be if you are somewhat unsure and therefore want to show that uncertainty. You might think something but you aren\u2019t 100% sure of it. \u201cShe\u2019s tired, so we should probably just go on a short walk today, if anything.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    There\u2019s also a slightly different use for this which can be utilized.<\/p>\n

    You might use it to say \u201cif at all\u201d I\u2019m not very hungry.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019ll just have a small breakfast, if anything. I\u2019m having a full brunch later.\u201d<\/p>\n

    These phrases can show that contrast, significant or not.<\/p>\n

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    One More Example<\/strong><\/p>\n

    We\u2019ve looked at the others, but let\u2019s look at \u201cif ever\u201d from the example from the listener\u2013it has a part here too. <\/p>\n

    You might use this to say that something is unlikely to happen, because it fits perfectly there.<\/p>\n

    You could also say \u201cif at all\u201d and it works just as well here.<\/p>\n