Negative condition: Unless = if … not
Unless means the same as if … not. It introduces the only condition that would prevent something.
| Unless | = If … not |
|---|---|
| Unless it rains, we'll have the party outside. | If it doesn't rain, we'll have the party outside. |
| I won't go unless you come too. | I'll go if you come. / If you don't come, I won't go. |
| You won't pass unless you study. | If you don't study, you won't pass. |
Irrelevant condition: Even if / Whether or not
Even if and whether or not emphasise that the condition does not change the result. The outcome is certain regardless.
| Example | Note |
|---|---|
| Even if I'm tired, I'll finish this work. | being tired won't stop me |
| She wouldn't take the job even if they doubled her salary. | nothing would change her mind |
| I'll go even if it rains. | rain doesn't matter |
| I'll help you whether or not you ask. | asking or not asking makes no difference |
Necessary / restrictive condition: Only if, As long as, Provided (that)
These expressions mean "only on condition that". They emphasise that the result depends strictly on the condition being met.
| Expression | Example |
|---|---|
| only if | You can stay only if you promise to behave. |
| as long as | You can stay as long as you're quiet. |
| so long as | So long as you tell the truth, I won't be angry. |
| provided (that) | I'll lend you the money provided that you repay me. |
| providing (that) | You can come providing you're quiet. |
| on condition (that) | He'll sign on condition that the price is reduced. |
Hypothetical assumption: Suppose, Imagine, Assume
These expressions invite the listener to imagine a situation, real or not, and think about its consequences.
| Expression | Example |
|---|---|
| suppose / supposing | Suppose you won the lottery — what would you do first? |
| assume / assuming | Assuming that everyone agrees, we'll begin. |
| imagine (that) | Imagine you could travel anywhere — where would you go? |
| say / let's say | Let's say you had to choose just one — which would it be? |
Accepted premise: Given that, Granted that
These expressions accept a fact as true and draw a conclusion from it — the condition isn't hypothetical, it's already accepted.
| Expression | Example |
|---|---|
| given (that) | Given that everyone is here, let's begin. |
| granted (that) | Granted that he's right, what should we do about it? |
| granting (that) | Granting that the plan has risks, it's still worth trying. |
| allowing (that) | Allowing that mistakes happen, we should still learn from them. |
Precaution & contingency: In case, In the event (that)
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| in case + present | as a precaution against something possible | Take a coat in case it gets cold. · Write it down in case you forget. |
| in the event (that) | more formal — for a specific possible future situation | In the event that the flight is cancelled, we'll stay overnight. |
| supposing / suppose / imagine | = what if? (see Hypothetical assumption above) | Supposing you lost your passport — what would you do? |
Exception condition: Except if, Save if
These introduce the one exception to an otherwise general rule. Save if is formal/legal register.
| Expression | Example |
|---|---|
| except if | The warranty applies to all parts, except if the product has been modified. |
| save if (formal/legal) | No one may enter the building, save if authorised by security. |
Prepositional conditionals: Without, But for, Barring…
These are prepositions, not conjunctions — they're followed by a noun phrase, not a full clause with a subject and verb.
| Expression | Example |
|---|---|
| without | Without your help, I would have failed. |
| but for | But for your help, I'd have failed. |
| barring | Barring any delays, we'll arrive on time. |
| absent (formal) | Absent further evidence, the case will be dismissed. |
| failing that | Try the front door — failing that, use the back entrance. |
| subject to | The offer is valid, subject to availability. |
| contingent upon | Payment is contingent upon delivery. |
| conditional upon | Approval is conditional upon passing the inspection. |
| dependent upon | Success is dependent upon careful planning. |
Exercises
Exercise 1 — Choose the correct expression
Choose the correct word or expression.
1. You won't pass the exam ___ you study harder.
2. I'll finish the marathon ___ it takes me all day.
3. You can borrow my car ___ you fill up the tank before returning it.
4. ___ you won the lottery tomorrow — what's the first thing you'd buy?
5. ___ that the report is accurate, we need to change our strategy.
6. The concert will go ahead ___ heavy rain.
Exercise 2 — Pick from the dropdown
Select the expression that fits each sentence.
Exercise 3 — Sentence transformation
Complete the second sentence so it means the same as the first. Use no more than five words. Work out which expression fits from the meaning — it isn't given to you.
, you'll miss the train.
, we're going hiking.
You can use my laptop with it.
I'll sign the contract is lower.
, we'll begin the meeting.