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English grammar

Conditions without if: unless, provided that, otherwise

B2 · Upper intermediate Joining sentences Questions 10

The rule

If is only one of several ways to attach a condition, and the others are more precise. Unless means except if and cannot be used for every negative condition. Provided that, as long as and on condition that set a term someone must meet. Otherwise states the consequence of NOT meeting it. In case is not a condition at all — it is a precaution taken beforehand. Supposing and what if open a hypothetical in speech. Getting these right is what makes a negotiation or a contract clause readable.

Pattern

unless (= except if) · provided / providing that · as long as · on condition that · otherwise · in case (precaution) · supposing

Examples

  1. I will sign on Friday provided that the survey is clear.

  2. Unless we hear otherwise, we will assume the meeting is on.

  3. Take the receipt in case they ask for proof.

  4. Confirm by Thursday; otherwise the room will be released.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong: Take an umbrella unless it rains.

    Right: Take an umbrella in case it rains.

    in case is a precaution taken beforehand; unless is a condition.

  • Wrong: I will come unless I do not finish early.

    Right: I will come if I finish early.

    unless already carries the negative, so a second one reverses the meaning.

  • Wrong: Providing that you will pay by Friday, I will hold it.

    Right: Providing that you pay by Friday, I will hold it.

    A condition clause takes the present, not will.

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 somebody objects.
    2. We will start at nine unless somebody will object.
    3. We will start at nine unless somebody does not object.
    4. We will start at nine in case somebody objects.
    Show answer

    Answer: A We will start at nine unless somebody objects.

    unless = except if, with no second negative.

  2. 2Choose the correct sentence.

    1. Keep the packaging unless you need to return it.
    2. Keep the packaging in case you need to return it.
    3. Keep the packaging otherwise you need to return it.
    4. Keep the packaging provided you need to return it.
    Show answer

    Answer: B Keep the packaging in case you need to return it.

    in case marks a precaution.

  3. 3Choose the correct sentence.

    1. You can borrow it as long as you will bring it back.
    2. You can borrow it as long you bring it back on Monday.
    3. You can borrow it as long as you bring it back on Monday.
    4. You can borrow it so long you bring it back.
    Show answer

    Answer: C You can borrow it as long as you bring it back on Monday.

    as long as plus a present-tense condition.

  4. 4Fill in the gap.

    Reply by the tenth; _____ the offer lapses.

    1. in case
    2. provided
    3. otherwise
    4. unless
    Show answer

    Answer: C Reply by the tenth; otherwise the offer lapses.

    otherwise states the consequence of not doing it.

  5. 5Fill in the gap.

    I will lend you the car _____ that you fill it up.

    1. by condition
    2. with condition
    3. on condition
    4. in condition
    Show answer

    Answer: C I will lend you the car on condition that you fill it up.

    on condition that sets a term.

  6. 6Fill in the gap.

    _____ the survey shows damp, we will pull out.

    1. Otherwise
    2. Unless
    3. In case
    4. If
    Show answer

    Answer: D If the survey shows damp, we will pull out.

    A positive condition takes if.

  7. 7Fill in the gap.

    _____ we leave now, we will miss the connection.

    1. In case
    2. Provided
    3. If
    4. Unless
    Show answer

    Answer: D Unless we leave now, we will miss the connection.

    Unless = if we do not.

  8. 8Fill in the gap.

    _____ the machine breaks down again, what do we do?

    1. Providing
    2. Supposing
    3. Unless
    4. Otherwise
    Show answer

    Answer: B Supposing the machine breaks down again, what do we do?

    Supposing opens a hypothetical question.

  9. 9This sentence is wrong. Choose the fix.

    Which sentence is wrong?

    1. Unless you do not pay, we will go to court.
    2. Unless you pay, we will go to court.
    3. Pay, or we will go to court.
    4. If you do not pay, we will go to court.
    Show answer

    Answer: A Unless you do not pay, we will go to court.

    A double negative with unless reverses the meaning.

  10. 10This sentence is wrong. Choose the fix.

    Which sentence is wrong?

    1. Take a coat unless it gets cold later.
    2. Take a coat in case it gets cold later.
    3. Take a coat if it is cold.
    4. Take a coat; otherwise you will be cold.
    Show answer

    Answer: A Take a coat unless it gets cold later.

    A precaution is in case, not unless.

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