Explanation
Exercises
Conditionals with unless, even if, provided (that), as long as…
B2 • reference

Overview

These linkers replace or refine if in conditional sentences. They work with the usual tense choices (present → will/can/may, past simple → would, past perfect → would have, etc.). Choice of linker adds nuance: exception, precaution, strong requirement, or certainty regardless of the condition.

unless (= “if … not”)

  • I won’t go on holiday unless I save some money. (= if I don’t save)
  • Use an affirmative clause after unless; avoid double negatives: ✗ unless I don’t… → ✓ unless I…
  • Not … unless = “only if”: You can’t enter unless you show ID.
  • Unless works with imperatives: Don’t call me unless it’s urgent.

Unless often expresses an exception; if … not is neutral. With many speakers, unless sounds more formal in writing.

in case (precaution)

  • Action is done to be prepared for a possible situation: I’ll take an umbrella in case it rains.
  • Past narrative: We took snacks in case we got hungry.
  • Not the same as if for results: If it rains, I’ll call you (=result). I’ll call you in case it rains means “so you’re prepared”.
  • just in case (informal intensifier): Bring cash, just in case.
  • in case of + noun: In case of fire, use the stairs.

Strong conditions: as long as, so long as, provided/providing (that), only if, on condition (that)

All emphasise a requirement. Register varies: as/so long as (neutral), provided/providing (slightly formal), on condition (that) (formal/legal), only if (strong focus).

  • I’ll tell you the whole story as long as you keep it secret.
  • We’ll lend you the equipment provided (that) you return it by Friday.
  • They will speak to the press on condition (that) their names are withheld.
  • We’ll invest only if you can show proof of funding.

Inversion with sentence-initial “only if”: when the “only if” clause comes first, invert the subject and auxiliary in the main clause: Only if you agree will we proceed.

whether or not / even if

  • whether or not: the result is the same in both alternatives: I’ll help him whether or not he needs me.
  • even if: emphasises that the result holds despite a (often unlikely) condition: Even if you apologise, he won’t forgive you.
  • Both can be mid or initial position; comma is optional and style-based when initial.

suppose/supposing/what if

  • Imagine a situation and consider consequences.
  • Real possibilities → present + future: Suppose she calls, what will you say?
  • Unreal/remote → past simple/ perfect + would: What if you lost everything? / Supposing you hadn’t told me, I’d have behaved differently.

Form & punctuation quick tips

  • When the conditional clause comes first, a comma is usual: Provided that you agree, we’ll start.
  • Keep the tense logic of standard conditionals (zero/first/second/third) even with alternative linkers.
  • Modal variety in the result: may/might/can/could/should show degree of certainty or permission.

Mini reference

ConnectorCore meaningModel patternExample
unless exception; “if … not” Main (will) + unless + present We’ll cancel unless numbers improve.
in case precaution; prepare for possibility Do X in case + present/past Take water in case it’s hot.
as/so long as requirement, neutral Result + as long as + present You can stay as long as you’re quiet.
provided (that) requirement, slightly formal Result + provided (that) + present You may film provided (that) you don’t use flash.
only if strong/sole condition Only if + clause, will + subject… Only if you insist will we join.
whether or not both alternatives lead to same result Result + whether or not + clause I’m going whether or not it rains.
even if in spite of possible condition Result + even if + clause She’ll compete even if she’s injured.
suppose/supposing/what if imagine a condition Suppose + clause, result… Suppose we miss the train, we’ll drive.

Nearby connectors that express results rather than conditions: otherwise / or else (e.g., Leave now, otherwise you’ll be late.).

Exercises:
1
2
3

Conditionals with “unless”, “even if”, “provided (that)”, “as long as”, etc.

(Choose unless, even if, provided, as long as, etc. to complete these sentences.
1
I won’t call you it’s urgent.
2
We’ll finish the hike the weather turns windy.
3
You can use the studio you book it in advance.
4
You can stay with us you tidy up after yourself.
5
Take a power bank your phone battery dies.
6
The board approved the budget all expenses are transparently reported.
7
You’ll get a refund you present a valid receipt.
8
They’re going ahead with the festival they secure a new sponsor.
9
Please follow the evacuation plan the alarms are triggered.
10
You can use my laptop you don’t install any software.

Conditionals with “unless”, “even if”, “provided (that)”, “as long as”, etc.

Choose unless, even if, provided, as long as, etc. for each gap below.
1
You can borrow my car ____ you bring it back by 8.
A.
B.
C.
2
We’ll go for a picnic tomorrow ____ it rains.
A.
B.
C.
3
Take an umbrella ____ it rains later.
A.
B.
C.
4
I’m attending the conference ____ the flights are expensive.
A.
B.
C.
5
You can use the studio ____ you finish by 6 p.m.
A.
B.
C.
6
The machine won’t start ____ the safety switch is on.
A.
B.
C.
7
____ we leave now, we’ll still miss the opening talk.
A.
B.
C.
8
You can stay here ____ you promise not to tell anyone.
A.
B.
C.
9
The refund will be issued ____ you show the receipt.
A.
B.
C.
10
Bring some snacks ____ you get hungry on the way.
A.
B.
C.

Conditionals with “unless”, “even if”, “provided (that)”, “as long as”, etc.

Fill in each gap with one word from the list. Do NOT use if.
unlessprovidedprovidingwhether otherwiseuntilonce assumingsupposing
1
You can borrow my laptop you return it by 6 p.m.
2
No refunds are possible the product is faulty.
3
We are going ahead, you agree or not.
4
Take the spare key; you will lock yourself out.
5
The store will remain closed further notice.
6
all the paperwork is complete, we can issue your badge.
7
nothing changes overnight, the schedule remains the same.
8
He runs every morning, he is travelling.
9
The outdoor concert will go ahead, it rains or not.
10
You can take Friday off you cover your shift next Monday.