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The if in this sentence is roughly equivalent to however, as in

It is compelling, however, it is at times depressing.

Some people might feel that however is too strong; this I believe depends on one's personal idiolect.

In general, the if in that construction implies reservation, as for example:

Many libraries have little if any control over their patrons.

or introduces a contrast as in

she was honest, if a little brutal’

Other synonyms (which can be used instead of if in this context) are

• although
• albeit
• but
• even though
• even if
• despite being
• in spite of being
• yet
• whilst

(Source: Lexico Dictionary)

So the second clause is a limitation/restriction on the first one. Whatever is compelling, is also sometimes depressing, and that might want you to argue against it.

The if in this sentence is roughly equivalent to however, as in

It is compelling, however, it is at times depressing.

Note: Some people might feel that however is too strong; this I believe depends on one's personal idiolect.

The Cobuild Grammar (section 8.72) calls this construction a concessive clause.

In general, the if in that construction implies reservation, as for example:

Many libraries have little if any control over their patrons.

or introduces a contrast as in

she was honest, if a little brutal’

Other synonyms (which can be used instead of if in this context) are

• although
• albeit
• but
• even though
• even if
• despite being
• in spite of being
• yet
• whilst

(Source: Lexico Dictionary)

So the second clause is a limitation/restriction on the first one. Whatever is compelling, is also sometimes depressing, and that might want you to argue against it.

The if in this sentence is roughly equivalent to however, as in

It is compelling, however, it is at times depressing.

So the second clause is a limitation/restriction on the first one. Whatever is compelling, is also sometimes depressing, and that might want you to argue against it.

The if in this sentence is roughly equivalent to however, as in

It is compelling, however, it is at times depressing.

Some people might feel that however is too strong; this I believe depends on one's personal idiolect.

In general, the if in that construction implies reservation, as for example:

Many libraries have little if any control over their patrons.

or introduces a contrast as in

she was honest, if a little brutal’

Other synonyms (which can be used instead of if in this context) are

• although
• albeit
• but
• even though
• even if
• despite being
• in spite of being
• yet
• whilst

(Source: Lexico Dictionary)

So the second clause is a limitation/restriction on the first one. Whatever is compelling, is also sometimes depressing, and that might want you to argue against it.

The if in this sentence is roughly equivalent to however, as in

It is compelling, however, it is at times depressing.

So the second clause is a limitation/restriction on the first one. Whatever is compelling, is also sometimes depressing, and that might want you to argue against it.

The if in this sentence is roughly equivalent to however, as in

It is compelling, however, it is at times depressing.

So the second clause is a limitation/restriction on the first one. Whatever is compelling, is also sometimes depressing, and that might want you to argue against it.