Grammar：Even if, only if
【明報專訊】Eason is eyeing a pair of limited edition sneakers. Will he be able to get them?
Bill: Wow! Eason, I never knew you have a fashionable side! These sneakers look really different from what you usually wear!
Eason: It would be a waste if you wore them like your usual PE lesson trainers! They are a limited edition of the same design. (1) Even if you are rich you might not be able to buy them! I am going to resell them on auction sites for a much higher price!
Bill: But how are you going to get them? People say that you have a chance to get them (2) only if you queue up in front of the stores hours before they open.
Eason: I have already placed life-size photos of me in front of the stores! That will do the trick!
Bill: (3) Well, only if they can move along the queue!
● if
We know the word ''if'' can be used to express a condition for something to be true. There are other uses of ''if''.
● even if
We use ''even if'' to talk about something can/ cannot be done regardless of an opposing reason.
e.g. Even if you apologise, she may not forgive you.
e.g. Even if we lose, it will still be an exciting game.
● only if
We use ''only if'' when the condition is a must.
e.g. You can get into the final only if you become the top 10 in the first round of the competition.
■Gear up
Choose the correct answer.
(1) I still feel tired ( even if / only if ) I have slept for eight hours.
(2) You can succeed ( even if / only if ) you start trying.
(3) ( Even if / Only if ) you are nervous, you should speak aloud on the stage.
(4) I will agree to help her ( even if / only if ) she asks politely.
(Answers on next text)
■Glossary
eye (v) (感興趣地)留意
limited edition (n phr) 限量版
auction (n) 拍賣
condition (n) 條件
[Smarties' Power English 第280期]
