Expressing a Condition

Posted By Manjusha in Basic English Grammar

We can express a condition in several ways. For example, we can use if.

• If you heat ice, it melts.
• If you give respect, you get respect.

Sometimes if is omitted.

• Had I been there, there would have been no problems. (= If I had been there, there would have been no problems.)
• Were I you, I wouldn’t refuse this offer. (= If I were you I would not refuse this offer.)

Expressing a condition using unless

We can express a condition using unless.

• Unless you give me the keys of the safe, you will be shot.
• Unless you agree to my proposal, you cannot expect any help from me.

By using a conjunctional phrase

A condition can be expressed using a conjunctional phrase like in case or but that.

• In case it rains, I shall put on my rain coat.

It is also possible to express a condition using a participial phrase.

• Supposing he does not come, what will you do?
• I will help you provided that you follow my instructions.

The same conditional sentence or idea may be expressed in a number of ways. Study the following examples carefully.

• You will win, if you study well.
• You will not win, unless you study well.
• You will win, provided that you study well.
• In case you study well, you will win.
• Supposing you study well, you will win.

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