| If
|
- If we defeat them, we'll go to the disco to celebrate!
- Jess would buy a pc, if she had enough money.
|
'If' clauses express
the conditions necessary for the result. If clauses are
followed by expected results based on the condition. |
| Even if
|
- Even if she saves a lot, she won't be able to afford
that house.
|
In contrast to
sentences with 'if' sentences with 'even if' show a result
that is unexpected based on the condition in the 'even if'
clause. Example: COMPARE: If she studies hard, she
will pass the exam AND Even if she studies hard, she won't
pass the exam. |
| Whether or not
|
- They won't be able to come whether or not they have
enough money.
- Whether they have money or not, they won't be able to
come.
|
'Whether or not'
expresses the idea that neither one condition or another
matters; the result will be the same. Notice the possibility
of inversion (Whether they have money or not) with 'whether or
not'. |
| Unless
|
- Unless she hurries up, we won't arrive in time.
- We won't go unless he arrives soon.
|
'Unless' expresses
the idea of 'if not' Example: Unless she hurries up,
we won't arrive in time. MEANS THE SAME AS: If she doesn't
hurry up, we won't arrive in time. 'Unless' is only used
in the first conditional. |
| In case (that), in
the event (that) |
- In the case you need me, I'll be at Tom's.
- I'll be studying upstairs in the event he calls.
|
'In case' and 'in the
event' usually mean that you don't expect something to happen,
but if it does... Both are used primarily for future events.
|
| Only if
|
- We'll give you your bicycle only if you do well on your
exams.
- Only if you do well on your exams will we give you your
bicycle.
|
'Only if' means 'only
in the case that something happens - and only if'. This form
basically means the same as 'if'. However, it does stress the
condition for the result. Note that when 'only if' begins the
sentence you need to invert the main clause.
|
