To start writing an if statement in Python, follow this basic syntax:

python

if condition:
    # code to execute if condition is True

Here's the breakdown:

• Begin with the keyword if.
• Leave a space and write a condition that evaluates to a Boolean value (True or False).
• End the line with a colon :.
• On the next line, indent your code (usually 4 spaces) to indicate the block of code that will run if the condition is True.

For example:

python

x = 10
if x > 5:
    print("x is greater than 5")

In this example, if x is greater than 5, the print statement will execute

. You can also write a one-line if statement if you have only one statement to execute:

python

if x > 5: print("x is greater than 5")

This is less common but valid for simple conditions

. In summary, the key steps to start an if statement in Python are:

• Use the if keyword.
• Write a condition (Boolean expression).
• Add a colon :.
• Indent the following block of code that runs if the condition is true