Conditionals: unless, as long as, provided
Beyond if, English has several conjunctions that introduce conditions with subtle differences in meaning: unless, as long as, provided/providing (that), on condition that, even if, whether or not, in case.
Beyond if, English has several conjunctions that introduce conditions with subtle differences in meaning: unless, as long as, provided/providing (that), on condition that, even if, whether or not, in case.
The expressions
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| unless | if not / except if | I won’t go unless you come. |
| as long as / so long as | only if; on the condition that | You can stay as long as you’re quiet. |
| provided / providing (that) | on the condition that (formal) | I’ll lend it provided you return it. |
| even if | whether or not it happens | I’ll go even if it rains. |
| in case | as a precaution (before the problem) | Take an umbrella in case it rains. |
unless = if not“I won’t go unless you come” means “I won’t go if you don’t come.” Because unless already contains the negative, don’t add another “not.” Also, in case is not the same as if: “take an umbrella in case it rains” = take it now as a precaution, before any rain; “take an umbrella if it rains” = only take it when rain happens.
Tense after these words
Like if, these take the present tense to refer to the future – not will: “Provided you arrive on time…” (not “will arrive”).
Examples from EduCareer
- You’ll pass as long as you keep practising.
- Unless you register today, you’ll miss the early price.
- Bring your notes in case the tutor asks for them.
Tutor tipThe two traps are: (1) don’t put a second “not” after unless – it’s already negative; (2) don’t use will after these conjunctions for the future – use the present: “as long as you study,” not “as long as you will study.”
Common mistakes
- Unless you don’t hurry, we’ll be late. → Unless you hurry, we’ll be late.
- As long as you will pay, it’s fine. → As long as you pay, it’s fine.
- I’ll call you if case I’m late. → I’ll call you in case I’m late.
Practise with the 20 questions below.
Check your understanding
Answer the questions below. You will see instantly if you are right.
1."I won't go ___ you come with me." (if not)
unless = if not.
2.'unless' means:
if not.
3."You can borrow it ___ you return it tomorrow."
on the condition that → provided.
4."I'll come ___ it rains — nothing will stop me."
whether or not → even if.
5."Take a coat ___ it gets cold later." (precaution)
precaution beforehand → in case.
6.Which is correct?
unless is already negative.
7.After 'as long as' for the future, use:
present tense, like 'if'.
8."You'll succeed ___ you keep trying."
condition → as long as.
9.Which is correct?
present tense for future.
10."___ you register today, you'll lose the discount."
if you don't → Unless.
11.'in case' vs 'if': 'in case' means:
precaution in advance.
12."Bring ID ___ they ask for it at the door."
precaution → in case.
13."I'll support you ___ what happens."
regardless → whatever/no matter what.
14."You may enter ___ you have a ticket." (formal condition)
formal condition → provided that.
15."___ the price, I'm buying it — I love it."
determination regardless → even if.
16."We'll be fine ___ we leave by six."
condition → as long as.
17."He won't pass ___ he revises."
if he doesn't revise → unless.
18."Save the file ___ the computer crashes."
precaution → in case.
19."You can use my notes ___ you don't lose them."
condition → as long as.
20."___ it's expensive, the course is worth it."
concession → even though/even if.
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