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This paper examines the positioning and boundness of if-clauses in relation to main clauses. Based on Chafe (1984), if-clauses are divided into four types: Type A (preposed bound), Type B (postposed bound), Type C (preposed free), Type D (postposed free). A total of 200 if-clauses were analysed using academic writings and spoken data in COCA in order to represent written English and spoken English. The results showed that Type C is the most typical use of if-clauses and that Type B is used relatively frequently. Type A and Type D were hardly used, and particularly, Type D was not found in written English. Thus, preposed if-clauses tend to be free from the main clause with the comma or the pause, while postposed if-clauses tend to be bound to main clauses without the comma or the pause. Spoken English showed a stronger tendency for typical preposed and free if-clauses, and postposed bound if-clauses were used more frequently in written English. In line with Chafe (1984), preposed free if-clauses are shown to function as guideposts signaling an orientation for the information in the main clause. Postposed bound if-clauses tend to convey new information while main clauses express given information. However, some postposed bound if-clauses were found to add something as afterthoughts to the assertion made in the main clause. (2005).