Alternatives to if

Rules

• Rule 1: unless = if … not

  unless already contains the negative, so it is followed by an affirmative verb. Use the present tense even for the future.

  Pattern: unless + affirmative present

  Example: Unless you study, you won't pass.

  Example: I'll walk unless it's too cold.

• Rule 2: Only on this condition

  provided / providing (that), as long as / so long as and on condition that mean “only if”. The condition is strong and limiting. on condition that is the most formal.

  Pattern: provided / as long as + present

  Example: You can use my tablet as long as you're careful.

  Example: We'll go hiking provided the weather is good.

• Rule 3: suppose / what if / assuming

  Suppose / Supposing / What if = “imagine that”. For an imaginary situation use past tense + would; for a real possibility use present + will. Assuming (that) = “if we assume that”.

  Pattern: Suppose + past → would · Assuming + present → will

  Example: Suppose you found a wallet. What would you do?

  Example: What if we get lost?

• Rule 4: but for, otherwise, or (else)

  but for + noun = “if it weren't / hadn't been for” (always imaginary: *would / would have*). otherwise and or (else) = “if not”; they come after the first clause.

  Pattern: But for + noun, … would (have) … · …; otherwise, …

  Example: But for the GPS, we would have gotten lost.

  Example: Wear a coat; otherwise, you'll be cold.

Common mistakes

• Unless you don't hurry, you'll be late. → Unless you hurry, you'll be late.

  *unless* already means “if not”; don't add another negative.

• As long as you will help me, I'll finish. → As long as you help me, I'll finish.

  No *will* in the condition.

• Take an umbrella if it rains. → Take an umbrella in case it rains.

  For a precaution use in case: you take it now because it *might* rain.