Hey, guys! Thanks for stopping by. So I'm baffled by the passage below and I'm confused by the "if" structure.
Crane Brinton argued that the middle phases of revolutions are especially berserk because the unleashed force of social momentum transfers power inexorably from more stable (if oppressive) force to less temperate ones. Yet, he goes on to say that the excesses recede and a more peaceful period ensues.
1. how do u understand the if structure?
2. This reminds me of similar usage of the word "if", for example, "he is an attentive if sometimes obtrusive person." So I wonder if you think the usage of the if word in the sentence I just created is the same as that in the passage.
you can regard the if as meaning "possibly" or "and" in this text.
from more stable possibly oppressive forces to less temperate one.
from more stable and oppressive forces to less temperate ones.
@Laura teDuits Thank you for your instant comment. :D What about perhaps? Cuz I feel that ''even if'' contains that extra layer of meaning while there's no concrete indication of such. The replacement with ''even if'' will convey an idea seemingly saying no matter how harsh the political power actually is, it's at least stable in the initial phase.
What's your idea?
