Complete Guide to Using “What if + (subject + verb)” in English

The phrase “What if” is used to ask about possible future scenarios or hypothetical situations. It helps explore consequences and prepare for different outcomes.

“What if” Usage Examples

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation	Context
1	What if I miss the bus?	अगर मैं बस छूट गया तो?	Transportation worry
2	What if I’m late to dinner?	अगर मैं डिनर के लिए लेट हो गया तो?	Punctuality concern
3	What if I call her tomorrow?	अगर मैं कल उसे कॉल कर दूँ तो?	Future planning
4	What if I don’t understand?	अगर मैं समझ नहीं पाया तो?	Comprehension doubt
5	What if someone sees me?	अगर किसी ने मुझे देख लिया तो?	Privacy concern
6	What if no one is home?	अगर घर पर कोई नहीं होगा तो?	Unexpected situation
7	What if they decide to stay?	अगर उन्होंने रुकने का फैसला किया तो?	Possibility planning
8	What if it rains while camping?	अगर कैंपिंग के दौरान बारिश हो गई तो?	Weather contingency
9	What if I don’t finish on time?	अगर मैं समय पर पूरा नहीं कर पाया तो?	Deadline worry
10	What if we introduce ourselves first?	अगर हम पहले खुद का परिचय दें तो?	Social strategy

Expanded Usage Examples

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation	Context
11	What if the flight gets canceled?	अगर फ्लाइट कैंसल हो गई तो?	Travel planning
12	What if they say no?	अगर उन्होंने ना कह दिया तो?	Rejection possibility
13	What if the payment fails?	अगर भुगतान विफल हो गया तो?	Financial concern
14	What if we get lost?	अगर हम खो गए तो?	Navigation worry
15	What if the results are bad?	अगर परिणाम खराब आए तो?	Outcome anxiety

Alternative Expressions

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation	Context
1	Suppose that…	मान लो कि…	More formal
2	Imagine if…	कल्पना करो अगर…	Creative scenarios
3	How about if…	कैसा रहे अगर…	Suggestion style

Key Grammar Rules

1. Structure:
   • “What if” + subject + verb (no auxiliary needed)
   • Works with all tenses (present, past, future)
2. Common Errors:
   • Don’t use future tense after “what if”
   • Don’t add unnecessary auxiliaries
3. Responses:
   • Conditional answers: “If that happens, we’ll…”
   • Reassurance: “Don’t worry, even if…”

Cultural Notes

• Used in both formal and informal contexts
• Common in Indian English with Hindi translations like “अगर…तो”
• Often accompanied by concerned facial expressions
• Useful for risk assessment and planning