A. Words connecting sentence parts

In addition to if, there are several other words and phrases for expressing condition.


1. You can’t come in unless you have a ticket. [= if you do not have a ticket]	2. You can borrow the bike on condition that you return it by five o’clock.

3. In case of fire, dial 112. [When there is ...; usually seen on notices; you can also say in the event of]
4. You can stay, as/so long as you don’t mind sleeping on the sofa. (as long as is less formal than so long as and both are less formal and not so strong as on condition that)
5. Provided/Providing you don’t mind cats, you can stay with us. (providing (that) or provided (that) are less formal than on condition that, but stronger than as/so long as)

Language help

Don’t confuse in case of with in case. Take your umbrella in case it rains means ‘It isn’t raining but it might rain.’

B. Supposing … and What if …

Note the use of supposing and what if (both usually found in spoken language) for possible situations in the future. What if is more direct.

Mick: Ethan’s coming tomorrow. He’ll help us.
Alice: Supposing / What if he doesn’t turn up - what shall we do then?

C. Conditions with -ever

The -ever suffix means ‘it does not matter which ...’. The stress is normally on ever.

What’s the best way to travel in your country?

However you decide to travel in this country, it’ll cost you a lot of money.
For example, you’ll end up paying at least 70 euros, whichever means of transport you take from the airport to the city centre - train or bus. Public transport is expensive wherever you go here. Whoever wins the next election should try to lower fares.

These sentences can also be expressed using no matter. Note the stress.

No matter how you decide to travel in this country, it will cost you a lot of money.
No matter who wins the next election, they should try to lower fares.

Common mistakes

With the condition phrases in A, B and C the present tense is used in the conditional clause. Take a jacket in case it gets cold later on. (NOT Take a jacket in case ~~it will get~~ cold later on.)

D. Some nouns which express condition

Certain conditions must be met before the peace talks can begin. (rather formal)
A good standard of English is a prerequisite /priˈrekwɪzɪt/ for studying at a British university. [absolutely necessary; very formal]
What are the entry requirements /rɪˈkwaɪəmənts/ for doing a diploma in Management at your college? [official conditions; rather formal]
I would not move to London under any circumstances. (fairly formal)