416. A conditional clause may be introduced by whoever, whenever, or some similar compound ([§§ 159], [195]).
- Whoever offends, is punished. [Compare: If anybody offends, he is punished.]
- Whoever shall offend, shall be punished.
- Whomever you ask, you will be disappointed. [Compare: If you shall ask anybody.]
- He will come whenever [= if ever] he is called.
Note. In older English and in poetry, who is common in this construction: as,—“Who [= whoever] steals my purse, steals trash” (Shakspere).
417. A conditional clause sometimes omits the copula and its subject.
- I will go if [it is] necessary.
- If [it is] possible, come to-morrow.
The if-clause is sometimes used as an exclamation, with the conclusion omitted.
If I only had a rifle!
418. A condition may be expressed by means of an assertion, a question, an imperative, or the absolute construction ([§ 345]).
- We take the receiver from the hook, and the operator answers. We replace it, and the connection is broken. [Compare: If we take the receiver from the hook, the operator answers, etc.]
- Press that button, and the bell will ring.
- Do you refuse? Then you must take the consequences.
- We shall sail on Monday, weather permitting.
Note. In such cases, there is no subordinate conditional clause. Thus, in the first example, we have two independent coördinate clauses, making a compound sentence ([§ 44]).