Words Other than ‘If’

Conditional clauses are usually introduced by conjunction ‘if’. The following conjunctions and expressions can be used instead of ‘if’: unless, providing, provided (that), on condition that, supposing (suppose) that, as long as, assuming that, what if, imagine, only if, in case.

1. Unless: If you don’t start at once you’ll be late. =

(= if not) Unless you start at once, you’ll be late.

Unless you start at once, you won’t be in time. (Unless you don’t)

2. As long as used to say that one thing can happen or be true only if another thing happens or is true:

You can go out to play as long as you stay in the back yard.

We’ll be all right as long as it doesn’t pour with rain.

As long as we keep playing well, we'll keep winning games.

3. Provided/ ing (that) is chiefly used with permission.

You can borrow my book provided you give it back by Friday.

You can camp here providing you leave no mess.

4. On condition that requires a human agent.

I’ll let you drive on condition that you have a driving license. Ron lent me the money on condition that I paid it back within three weeks.

5. Assuming (that) is used to say that something will happen only if your assumption (припущення) is true.

All we have to do is to explain the problem to her assuming of course that she’s prepared to listen.

6. Supposing (that)/ what if/ imagine are used in questions.

Supposing the plane is late, what shall I do?

What if I ask him about it, do you think he’ll tell the truth?

7. Only if requires the inverted word order in the main clause when it comes after the subordinate clause.

Only if you have a ticket, will you be allowed in.

I will stay at home only if it rains.

8. In case implies that something might happen or might be true. It’s the only conjunction which can’t replace ‘if’ because it’s different.

‘In case’ clause gives a reason for the action in the main clause, that’s why some grammarians identify it as a reason clause or purpose clause, but it follows the pattern of a conditional one.

You should insure your belongings in case they get stolen. (= ... because they might get stolen.) I took three novels on holiday in case I felt like doing some reading.

Compare ‘if’ and ‘in case’.

• I'll draw some money out of the bank if I need it. (= I'll draw it out at the time when I need it.)

• I'll draw some money out of the bank in case I need it. (= I'll draw it out now because I might need it later.)

Ex. 12 Your friend is packing for a holiday abroad. Advise him what to take as in the example. E.g.: Take your raincoat in case it rains.

–  credit card / run out of money

– a copy of your passport/ lose it

– jumper/ be cold

– some plasters / cut yourself

– some medicine / catch a cold

Ex. 13 Fill in ‘if’ or ‘in case’.

1. Take a spare wheel, ................................... you have a puncture.

2. I'm tense; excuse me ................................. I talk too much.

3. There are spare batteries in there, .............. you need them.

4. Read the paper .......................................... you don't believe me!

5. ......................... Senna doesn’t either win the race or finish second, he will be out of the championship.

6. Take the keys ........................................... there’s nobody in.

7. ................. we move some of these off the table we'll have more room to do our pictures

Ex. 14 Paraphrase the sentences using ‘unless’ to introduce adverbial clauses of condition as in the examples.

a) E.g.: If some extra money isn’t found, the theatre will close. = Unless some extra money is found, the theatre will close.

1. If it doesn’t rain, I’ll pick you up at 6.00

2. You can’t travel on this train if you don’t have a reservation.

3. There’s no chance of you getting the job if you don’t apply.

4. If she doesn’t go to university, she will go into the police force.

5. If you don’t help him, he won’t get the job.

6. He won't go with you if he doesn’t feel he has to.

b) E.g.: It must rain within the next week, or water supplies will be cut off. = Unless it rains within the next week, water supplies will be cut off.

1. I have to phone Mike now or he'll sell the car to someone else. Unless

2. The hospital must get more money or it will close. Unless...

3. You should keep medicines in the fridge only if it’s necessary. You

4. Speak to her only if she speaks to you first. Don't...

5. Children under 16 can be let in to see the movie only if accompanied by an adult. Children …

6. Home owners can take a loan up to 10.000 $. You can’t …

7. You can rent a car if you are from 22 to 70 years old. You …

Ex. 15 Replace ‘if’ with the most appropriate conjunction.

1. Mr. Davidson says he'll come and give a talk at the conference if we pay him a reasonable fee. (Supposing / unless / on condition that)

2. I won't help him if he doesn't ask me properly.

(in case / unless / as long as)

3. If the train arrives on time, they'll be here in a few minutes.

(What if / Assuming that / On condition that)

4. If he doesn't agree to my request, what will I do then?

(Unless / Supposing / Provided that)

5. You can go out tonight if you get back by midnight.

(as long as / assuming that / supposing that)

6. If Rosie gets this new promotion, we'll have enough money for a holiday abroad this year. (Unless / Provided that / Supposing that)

Ex. 16 Follow the example to write as many conditionals as possible.

E.g.: As long as it rains, I’ll stay at home. If it rains, I’ll stay at home. Only if it rains, will I stay at home. I won’t stay at home unless it rains.

1. I’ll save money, and then I’ll go to France on holiday.

2. Wait five minutes and I’ll give you a lift.

3. I’ll cook and you will do the washing up afterwards.

4. You need to pass your driving test before you can drive.