Conditionals continued
Notes
ALTERNATIVES TO “IF”
Even if
Even if = Even though
Compare the difference in meaning between these 3 sentences:
You must go tomorrow if you are ready or not.
You must go tomorrow if you are ready.
You must go tomorrow even if you aren’t ready.
We wouldn't encourage him to do that even if he is in good health.
We wouldn't encourage him to do that even though he is good health.
There can be a small difference in meaning.
We'd use "if" for a case in which at the time of the statement, we don't know the state of his health.
When we say "even though," we usually mean that we know his health to be good.
Unless
Unless + affirmative verb = If + negative verb
e.g. Unless you pay the fine in 30 days, we will initiate proceedings.
Or If you don’t pay the fine in 30 days, we will initiate proceedings.
Compare these 2 sentences:
(a) Don’t call me if you need help.
(b) Don’t call me unless you need help.
Which sentence means “I won’t help you even if you need it.”?
Which sentence means “I’ll help you only if you need it.”?
Otherwise
As long as / So long as / Provided that
(The condition must be in place for the result to happen)
You will pass so long as/as long as/provided that you study.
Provided that gives a strong sense of limitation or permission and is often used in contracts and official documents.
Suppose / Supposing
Similar to “What if?”
Homework
Find a text (written or audio) that includes some conditional forms. what do you notice about the tenses and modal verbs used?
Going Further
Morning Glory Oasis
For a discussion of the lyrics go to: http://genius.com/5401952
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