Conditionals
and
Related Connectors
If only I had done my work on time, I wouldn't have such a load!
Only If, If only and Unless
The common feature that groups these forms is that they are exclusive. The condition is stronger
than when if or if...not are used. Let us see some examples of these forms:
-
Vincent will work during summer only if he runs out of money.
- My boyfriend and I will take an extra class only if we need more credits.
- We won't go out on Friday night unless we finish our paper.
- Call Rose, she won't come to the party unless you tell her.
- If only I could see him again, I would tell him the truth.
- We would have told Tim about the job if only we had known that he wanted to change careers.
Now that we have some examples of these forms, let us review their meaning:
ONLY IF
It emphasizes the condition. The condition stated is the only way to obtain the outcome stated.
- I will go only if you give me a ride.
Here we see that this person is going somewhere if he/she gets a ride form the interlocutor.
IF ONLY
this form expresses regrets about something that could have been done and was not.
- If only I had known about the deadline, I would have turned in my papers on time.
The main idea here is that the deadline passed and there is no way to change the current situation.
UNLESS
it also implies exclusion. Unless remarks the occurrence of an event depending on a condition.
The result is "predicted"
- I won't make it on time unless I take a cab.
The result is established and unless expresses the condition to change that result.
Other Related Forms
EVEN THOUGH
It implies a concession; that is, the outcome is known and despite of it an action will (or will not) take place.
- Even though the weather is not warm we will have the picnic.
The speaker knows the weather is not going to be the best. However, the picnic will be held.
EVEN IF
Similarly, here the outcome is not affected. The difference is that we are not sure whether the condition will be accomplished.
- Even if Susie doesn't give me a ride I will see you there.
The speaker is not sure if Susie is going to give him a ride, but the outcome will remain the same.
Even If also functions as an element of emphasis in hypothetical conditionals.
- I wouldn't eat snails even if I were starving.
Here, the speaker is absolutely sure about not eating snails, regardless of the situation.
IN CASE (OF), ON CONDITION THAT, PROVIDED THAT...
In their book "A Communicative Grammar of English" Leech and Svartvik (1994) include the following conjunctions that can also express condition:
The conjunction In case involves an event in the future. However, it is implied that this event might not happen. As in:
- Give the number of the restaurant to the babysitter, in case she needs something.
- I'll go make the bed and get extra covers in case the guests arrive tonight.
- You can leave a message in case I am out while you call.
ON CONDITION THAT
This expression involves a negotiation going on between the speakers. In this case, one of the speakers agrees to meet the terms of a condition.
- My parents will let me take the car on condition that a person with a license drives it.
- I'll go to your place on condition that you have something to eat while we work.
- Kids know Santa Clause will visit their homes on condition that they go to bed early.
- Charlie said he will lend you the money on condition that you pay back before spring break.
PROVIDED THAT
This expression is similar to if and only if because both of them imply a strong condition. The outcome depends on the realization of that exclusive situation.
- Provided that the kids had enough space to play and run, Mike and Anne would buy the house.
- Provided that they don't have to cook for everyone, my grandparents will let us go to their cabin.
- The professor won't give us any more tests provided that we read the new book and some articles.
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