Grammar: conditional connectors

Vocabulary in this set

Connect conditions, alternatives, and hypothetical situations with ten useful structures.

1. if

   Word

   introduce a condition and its possible result

   If it rains, we will move the event indoors.

2. else

   Word

   introduce an alternative when a condition is not met

   Leave now, or else you may miss the last train.

3. even if

   Phrase

   show that a result does not change despite a condition

   Even if you are busy, please send a short reply.

4. whether

   Word

   present two possibilities or an uncertain condition

   Whether we travel by bus or train, we will arrive today.

5. unless

   Word

   mean “except if” when setting a condition

   Unless you save the file, your changes will be lost.

6. but for

   Phrase

   show that something would differ without a person or event

   But for your quick response, we would have missed the deadline.

7. otherwise

   Word

   state what will happen if a condition is not met

   Please book today; otherwise, the tickets may sell out.

8. provided

   Word

   mean “only if” when setting a necessary condition

   Provided everyone agrees, we can change the schedule.

9. suppose

   Word

   introduce an imagined situation for discussion

   Suppose the first plan fails—what would you try next?

10. in case

    Phrase

    describe preparation for a possible future situation

    Take a charger in case your battery runs low.