Grammar Point
auxiliary
aux 
なら

if, in case, if it is the case that, if it is true that

hypothetical form of the copula だ, from なり and sometimes classed as a particle

Noun / な-Adjective + なら

Used when the speaker makes a statement, suggestion, or request based on a condition or information just mentioned or assumed to be true.

Noun + なら

Attached directly to a noun to set it as the condition.

If it is a car, I will buy it.

な-Adjective stem + なら

Attached to the stem of a な-adjective.

If it is quiet, I will study.

Note

Unlike the conditional particles 'ば' or 'たら', 'なら' is often used to pick up on a topic introduced by the listener. It focuses on the context of 'If that is what we are talking about' or 'If it is true that'.

Verb / い-Adjective + なら

Used to express a conditional based on an action or state described by a verb or an い-adjective.

Verb informal form + なら

Attached to the informal (dictionary or past) form of a verb.

If you are going to go, I will go too.

If you ate it, please wash the plate.

い-Adjective informal form + なら

Attached to the informal form of an い-adjective.

If it is hot, let's use the air conditioner.

Note

When used with verbs, 'なら' implies 'If it is the case that you are going to do X' or 'If it is true that you did X'. It does not require the 'だ' copula before it.

Words: 
なら
ならば
Radicals of radicals