Skip to content
Zorg Space Open the app

English grammar

unless, as long as, in case

B1 · Intermediate Joining sentences Questions 10

The rule

unless means if not and already contains the negative, so the verb after it stays positive: I will not go unless you come. as long as and provided that set a condition you accept: You can borrow it as long as you bring it back. in case is different — it is not a condition at all but a precaution taken BEFORE anything happens: Take an umbrella in case it rains means take it now, whether or not it rains. All of them keep the present tense when the meaning is future.

Pattern

unless = if not · as long as / provided that + present · in case = as a precaution

Examples

  1. I will not sign unless I understand it.

  2. You can stay as long as you are quiet.

  3. Take my number in case you get lost.

  4. Unless the train is late, we will be there by six.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong: I will not go unless you do not come.

    Right: I will not go unless you come.

    unless is already negative; a second negative reverses the meaning.

  • Wrong: Take a coat in case it will rain.

    Right: Take a coat in case it rains.

    After in case the verb stays in the present.

  • Wrong: I took an umbrella in case of it rained.

    Right: I took an umbrella in case it rained.

    in case is followed by a clause; in case of is followed by a noun.

Practice questions

Try each one yourself first, then open “Show answer” for the solution and the reason.

  1. 1Choose the correct sentence.

    1. We will start at nine unless not you tell me.
    2. We will start at nine unless you do not tell me otherwise.
    3. We will start at nine unless you will tell me otherwise.
    4. We will start at nine unless you tell me otherwise.
    Show answer

    Answer: D We will start at nine unless you tell me otherwise.

    unless carries the negative by itself.

  2. 2Choose the correct sentence.

    1. You can use my laptop so long you save your work.
    2. You can use my laptop as long you save your work.
    3. You can use my laptop as long as you will save your work.
    4. You can use my laptop as long as you save your work.
    Show answer

    Answer: D You can use my laptop as long as you save your work.

    as long as + the present simple.

  3. 3Choose the correct sentence.

    1. I will write it down in case I forget.
    2. I will write it down in case I will forget.
    3. I will write it down in case of I forget.
    4. I will write it down in case that I will forget.
    Show answer

    Answer: A I will write it down in case I forget.

    in case + the present, about a precaution taken now.

  4. 4Choose the correct sentence.

    1. Provided that you will keep the receipt, you can return it.
    2. Provided that you keep the receipt, you can return it.
    3. Provided you will keep the receipt, you can return it.
    4. Provided that you kept the receipt, you can return it.
    Show answer

    Answer: B Provided that you keep the receipt, you can return it.

    provided that behaves like as long as.

  5. 5Fill in the gap.

    The shop will not refund it _____ you have the receipt.

    1. as long as
    2. unless
    3. if not that
    4. in case
    Show answer

    Answer: B The shop will not refund it unless you have the receipt.

    unless = if not, which is the meaning here.

  6. 6Fill in the gap.

    I will lend you the money _____ you pay me back in March.

    1. unless
    2. as long as
    3. despite
    4. in case
    Show answer

    Answer: B I will lend you the money as long as you pay me back in March.

    A condition you are willing to accept.

  7. 7Fill in the gap.

    Write down the address _____ your phone runs out of battery.

    1. in case
    2. as long as
    3. in case of
    4. unless
    Show answer

    Answer: A Write down the address in case your phone runs out of battery.

    A precaution taken in advance.

  8. 8Fill in the gap.

    In case _____ fire, use the stairs.

    1. for
    2. that
    3. if
    4. of
    Show answer

    Answer: D In case of fire, use the stairs.

    in case of + a noun on a public notice.

  9. 9Put the words in the right order.

    I will not come unless you invite me

    Show answer

    Answer: I will not come unless you invite me.

    The main clause carries the future, unless the present.

  10. 10Put the words in the right order.

    Take a jacket in case it gets cold

    Show answer

    Answer: Take a jacket in case it gets cold.

    The precaution comes first, the possible reason after.

Practise this lesson in Zorg Space

In the app every rule becomes interactive practice: instant correction, reviews at the moment you are about to forget, and progress you can see from level to level — free.

Start for free

More in «Joining sentences»