At a glance
Words for conditions
- unless = if … notUnless you hurry, you'll be late.
- as long as / provided (that) = only ifYou can go as long as you're back by ten.
- in case = to be ready ifTake a coat in case it gets cold.
- otherwise = if notHurry, otherwise you'll miss the bus.
- suppose / supposing = imagine ifSuppose you won a prize, what would you do?
- but for / without + noun = if there were notBut for your help, I would have failed.
Conditionals without if (formal)
- Were + subjectWere I rich, I would travel. (= If I were rich)
- Had + subject + V3Had I known, I would have come. (= If I had known)
- Should + subject + V1Should you need help, call me. (= If you need help)
unless
Unless you hurry, you'll be late. (= If you don't hurry)
I can't hear you unless you speak up.
in case or if?
Take an umbrella in case it rains. (take it now, to be ready)
Open your umbrella if it rains. (only when it rains)
as long as / provided that
You can play as long as you finish your homework first.
You can pay by card, provided that you show your ID.
otherwise, suppose, but for
Hurry up, otherwise you'll miss the bus.
Suppose you won a lot of money, what would you buy?
But for your help, I would have failed. (= If you hadn't helped me)
Without if
Were I rich, I would travel the world.
Had I known about the party, I would have come.
Should you need anything, please call me.
Practice
Answer the questions. Get 7 out of 10 to finish this lesson.