READING

AND
USE OF ENGLISH
PART 4: CONDITIONALS
unless provided/providing that I wish it’s time otherwise
in case as long as /so long as if only would rather or else

WARM UP TASK

ANSWERS: 2 Provided 3 unless 4 in case 5 I’d rather

6 As long as 7 wish 8 It’s time
 DEFINITIONS

PHRASE MEANING / EXAMPLE

unless Unless means ‘if not’ and is used with the present tense to talk about a condition in the
present or future:
We’re going unless the weather gets much worse. (if the weather doesn’t get much worse)
In case In case shows that an action is taken to prepare for a possible event or situation.
We use the present tense after in case when we explain that a present action prepares us
for a future event:
Make sure you have my phone number in case you miss the bus. (I expect you’ll get
the bus, but if you miss it, you’ll need to phone me)
We use the past simple after in case to explain a past action. It often shows that you did
something because another thing might happen later:
I had taken plenty of cash with me in case the shop didn’t accept credit cards.
Provided that These expressions are used with a present tense to talk about the future. They have a
similar meaning to if
Providing that
As long as we all stay together, we’ll have a great time.
You’ll do very well in your interview, so long as you don’t talk too fast.
As long as
Provided (that) it doesn’t snow too heavily, I’ll see you here at six o’clock.
So long as Paul says he’ll meet us at the airport, providing (that) we notify him early.
I wish I wish and if only are both used to express a wish for something. They have the same
meaning, but if only is less common and is usually stronger.
If only I wish I knew the answer. (= but I don’t know the answer)
 If only he could drive. (= but he can’t drive)
! Notice that we use the past tense, even though we are talking about now.
We can use were instead of was after I and he/she/it:
I wish I was/were clever like you. (= but I’m not clever)
Wish / if only + the past perfect is used when we express a wish or regret about the past.
It’s like the third conditional – the event can’t be changed:
I wish we’d (had) come a few weeks ago. (= but we didn’t come)
If only I hadn’t broken that priceless vase! (= but I did break it)
Wish / if only + would is used when we express a wish:
If only the rain would stop!
I wish the waiter would hurry up. I’m so hungry!
it’s time These expressions are followed by the past simple with a present meaning:
It’s time we ate dinner now.
would rather
It’s time I went home.
(not)
I’d rather you didn’t bring large cameras.
We’d rather not spend too much money as we’re saving for a new car.
Otherwise These words mean ‘because if not’:
I have to go to bed early, otherwise I get too tired. (if I don’t go to bed early, I get too tired)
or else Carry that tray with both hands or else you’ll drop it. (if you don’t carry it with both hands,
you’ll drop it)

LET’S PRACTICE
Rewrite these sentences using unless instead of if not.
EXAMPLE: Sam will pass his driving test if he doesn’t drive too fast.
Sam will pass his driving test unless he drives too fast.
1 They’ll be here soon if their plane isn’t delayed.
………………………………………………………………………………
2 If you’re not in a hurry, you could take the bus.
………………………………………………………………………………
3 I won’t be able to come to see you tomorrow if my brother can’t give me a lift.
………………………………………………………………………………
4 If you don’t write your name down for me, I’ll forget it.
………………………………………………………………………………
Fill in the gaps with in case or if.
1 Elaine will post the letters …………… she goes out.
2 I’ll go for a swim …………… I finish my homework early.
3 I’ll teach you to play tennis …………… you teach me to play chess.
4 I’ll leave these books here …………… you have time to read them.
Choose the correct words in these sentences
1 Zoos should be allowed unless / as long as the animals are well looked after.
2 I think it’s safe for children to go to school by bike unless / provided that they don’t live too far away.
3 Bring your passport provided that / in case we go to Copenhagen on the boat.
4 People don’t work more than ten hours a day unless / provided that it is really necessary.
FURTHER PRACTICE
1 They have postponed the tennis match and it will not take place until July. PUT
The tennis match ____________________________________ July.
2 Did we send that letter to Mr. Thomas? WAS
Do you know if _____________________________ to Mr. Thomas?
3 'You must do your homework tonight.' the teacher said. TOLD
The teacher ………………………………………………………… my homework that night
4 'I might be late for dinner.' he told me. INFORMED
He ……………………………………………………………. might be late for dinner.
5 Suzanne was too excited to sleep. THAT
Suzanne was ................................................... not sleep.
6 Robert has not had a job for two years. OUT
Robert has ................................................... for two years.
7 The thief ran right past you so I’m sure you saw his face. MUST
The thief ran right past you so ................................................... his face.
8 The clients demanded to stay in a first-class hotel. STAYING
The clients ................................................... in a first-class hotel.
9 I don’t object to the council building a new road here. OBJECTION
I ................................................... the council building a new road here.
10 The author wrote her latest novel while she was staying in Majorca. WAS
The author’s latest novel ................................................... stay in Majorca.
ANSWERS

1 The tennis match .... has been put off until .... July.

2 Do you know if .... that/the letter was sent .... to Mr. Thomas?

3 The teacher .... told me to do .... my homework that night

4 He .... informed me (that) he .... might be late for dinner.

5 Suzanne was ....so excited that | she could...... not sleep.

6 Robert has ......been | out of work/a job...... for two years.

7 The thief ran right past you so ......you must | have seen...... his face.

8 The clients ...insisted on/upon | staying...... in a first-class hotel.

9 I ...have no/haven’t any/make no | objection to... the council building a new road here.

10 The author’s latest novel ......was written | during her/a...... stay in Majorca.
LISTENING
LISTENING PART 1 ACTION PLAN
LET’S PRACTICE
ANSWERS: 1B 2B 3A 4B 5C 6A 7B 8A
PART 2 TIPS AND ACTION PLAN
ANSWERS: 9 signs 10 guide 11 helmet 12 confidence 13 jumps 14 landing
15 Panic 16 wrist(s) 17 (small) device 18 parachute
15 panic 16 wrist(s) (small)
MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH