Replace if with provided/providing that or as long as to mean only if, as in you can go out provided that you finish your homework, or with on condition that in formal agreements. Use unless to mean if not, supposing for hypothetical suggestions, and given that for a known fact, all followed by the same tense pattern as if.
Grammar Rule
These expressions can replace if in conditional sentences, each with a slightly different nuance, but followed by the same tense pattern.
Advanced Conditional Alternatives: Rules and Examples
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| provided/providing (that) / as long as | only if | You can go out provided that you finish your homework. As long as you study hard, you’ll pass the exam. |
| on condition that | formal, agreements | I’ll lend you the money on condition that you pay me back by Friday. |
| supposing | hypothetical (what if) | Supposing you lost your job, what would you do? |
| given that | known fact (since) | Given that the weather is bad, the trip has been cancelled. |
| unless | if not | You won’t pass unless you study. |
Remember: provided/providing/as long as/on condition that = only if; unless = if not; given that = since; supposing = hypothetical.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using conditional alternatives to if correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
B2-53. Advanced Conditional Alternatives
Click «Start the test» to begin right away — no signup required. You can get a personalized certificate with your name and score at the end, if you want one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does provided that mean?
Only if, as in you can go out provided that you finish your homework.
When do you use on condition that?
In formal agreements, as in I’ll lend you the money on condition that you pay me back by Friday.
What does unless mean?
If not, as in you won’t pass unless you study.
What does given that introduce?
A known fact, similar to since, as in given that the weather is bad, the trip has been cancelled.