CONDITIONALS
CONDITIONALS WITHOUT IF
FORM USE EXAMPLE
Unless to mean "except if"
(similar to "if...not")
Provided / providing to mean "if and only if"
(that) (used in 1st and 2nd
So/ as long as conditionals)
Only if
On condition that
Even if to emphasise that a
condition is expected in
the circumstances
Whether or not to express two
Whether....or not alternative conditions
Otherwise to imply "if not"
In case of + noun to describe what should
be done in a certain
In case situation (usually
formal - in written
notices)
Suppose / can replace if, mainly in
supposing everyday speech
1. You can have a pet provided that you promise to look after it properly.
2. Penny won't come to the ball unless her boyfriend accompanies her. / I'll turn the TV off unless there's something else you want to watch.
3. In case of fire, break glass and sound the alarm.
4. Supposing the price of petrol tripled tomorrow. What do you think would happen?
5. You should have your air conditioner serviced, otherwise you'll waste a lot of energy. / They must have gone out. Otherwise, why wouldn't they answer the door?
6. We'll go up to the mountains this weekend as long as the weather's ok.
7. Only if you have a ticket, will you be allowed in.
8. Take a coat with you in case the weather gets worse.
9. Applications for membership are accepted on condition that applicants are over 18.
10. We wouldn't have stayed in the hotel even if it had been the only one available.
11. Mum is bound to take us round the museums whether or not we actually want to go. / The performance will start on time whether you are there or not.
OTHER CONDITIONAL STRUCTURES
FORM USE EXAMPLE
If + adjective sometimes replaces
if + subject + be
(in 1st conditionals)
If in doubt to give advice to someone
who is uncertain
Will / would politeness and emphasis
(insist on doing)
If so / if not to replace a conditional clause
which is understood from the
context
(should) happen + to say that an event might
full infinitive occur by chance
If + was / were to to indicate that an action is
unlikely
If it wasn't / weren't to say that an action is
for dependent on another in 2nd
Were it not for / conditionals
But for+ noun
If it hadn't been for to say that an action is
Had it not been for dependent on another in 3rd
But for + noun conditionals
If anything to show a possible difference
when you are not sure that
there is one
1. We 're not planning a summer holiday this year. If anything, we'll just go camping for a week.
2. If necessary, we'll drive to the theatre. ( = If it is necessary, we'll drive to the theatre)
3. If it hadn't been for your help, I wouldn't have been able to quit gambling.
4. If in doubt, stop using the product. (If you are in doubt, stop using the product.)
5. If you were to change your appearance, maybe you would have better luck at auditions.
6. If it wasn't / weren't for her famous father, she wouldn't be a success. (= If she didn't have a famous father, she wouldn't be a success)
7. If you will / would wait here, I'll see if Mrs Green is free.
8. If you happen to see/ should happen to see Julian, say hi.
9. But for her persevering nature, she wouldn't have this job.
10. But for the policeman's quick thinking, the pickpocket would have escaped.
11. Are you auditioning for the part? If so, please make sure to sign up by Friday. / Documents must be sent by recorded delivery. If not, they may be lost.
