masterMind Level 2

Unit 2 Grammar 2

CONDITIONAL
CONJUNCTIONS
 CONDITIONAL CONJUNCTIONS

1. Which words are conditional conjunctions?

2. What follows each conjunction: a noun or a clause?
3. Can you notice an error?

A: The prototype will be B: We should make sure

launched on Monday since we have an alternative
all the managers will be plan ininacase
case it isn’t
here all next week. ready on time.
 CONDITIONAL CONJUNCTIONS

Choose the correct meanings.

1. We should keep an open mind about aliens just in
case they arrive on Earth one day.
because it’s possible / because it’s certain
2. I’d like to meet alien creatures provided that they’re
friendly.
even if they aren’t / but only if they are
3. We may never meet aliens unless we explore space.
even if / except if
4. As long as we cooperate internationally, the cost of
space travel will be affordable.
depending on how long / if, but only if
 CONDITIONAL CONJUNCTIONS

Further examples of conditional conjunctions:

• Space travel is impractical since it would take so long to
get to the nearest habitable planet.
• We cannot risk meeting aliens unless we are sure we
are strong enough to protect ourselves.
• It is essential to explore space provided that we can
control the costs.
• We are only capable of intelligent contact with alien life
as long as we can stop fighting each other on Earth!
• Several space agencies listen to sounds from our galaxy
just in case someone or something is trying to contact
us.
 CONDITIONAL CONJUNCTIONS

Conjunctions Meanings Examples

Astronauts are often trained as
in case engineers (just) in case they have to
just in case because it is fix something during a flight.
possible that It is difficult to become an astronaut
unless unless you are a scientist or an
except if engineer.
Traveling in a spaceship is
since because it uncomfortable since you spend a long
is true time wearing a heavy spacesuit.
that Space travel is safe, provided that all
provided that the systems are checked carefully.
as long as You can become an astronaut as long
only if as you are very healthy.
 CONDITIONAL CONJUNCTIONS

Conditional conjunctions show that an action in one clause in a

sentence depends on the action in the other clause being
possible.

1. It would be difficult to communicate with an alien since we

don’t have a common language.
2. Alien life forms will be frightening unless they look similar
to us.
3. I might believe in UFOs provided that / as long as you
can show me solid evidence.
4. My uncle spends most nights stargazing (just) in case he
discovers a new star or planet.
 CONDITIONAL CONJUNCTIONS

Complete with the correct conditional conjunction.

since (unless/since)
1. It’s difficult to believe in UFOs ______
there is little credible evidence they exist.
2. Astronauts are specially trained ________
in case (in case / as
long as) they meet another life form while traveling in
space.
3. ________
Unless (Unless / Provided that) we cooperate
internationally, the human race will not benefit from the
space program.
4. I don’t mind governments developing space travel
_____________
as long as (since / as long as) they put as much
effort into looking after this planet!
 CONDITIONAL CONJUNCTIONS

What’s wrong?

1. Coming face-to-face with alien life forms will be

terrifying in case they are friendly.
unless
2. Humans will not be able to survive on another
planet unless it will have oxygen and water.
it has
3. We will continue to benefit from space exploration
since we put enough resources into it.
as long as / provided that
 CONDITIONAL CONJUNCTIONS

Give two reasons for and two against the following

statements using conditional conjunctions and your
own ideas.

Space travel is an expensive

waste of money, time, and
resources. It only benefits
governments and big business.

We cannot possibly be alone in the

universe. It’s only a matter of time
until we meet aliens. We should be
prepared for that.
 CONDITIONAL CONJUNCTIONS

Grammar wrap up
What do these conditional conjunctions mean?

1. as long as / provided that only if

because it’s
2. (just) in case possible that

3. since because it’s

true that
4. unless except if