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Unless, provided, as long as, in case
B2 B2 grammar · lesson 19 of 21
Not every condition starts with if. In this lesson you learn other words for conditions and the important difference between if and in case.
Unless
Unless means if… not. Use it with a positive verb.
You won’t pass unless you study. (= if you don’t study)
I’ll be there at eight unless my train is late.
Unless it rains, we’ll have lunch in the garden.
Provided (that), providing, as long as, on condition that
These all mean only if. They show a strong or necessary condition. As long as and so long as are common in speech; provided (that) and providing are a little more formal; on condition that is very formal.
You can borrow my bike as long as you bring it back tomorrow.
I’ll lend you the money provided that you pay it back next month.
Ali can join the team on condition that he comes to every training session.
In case
In case is not a condition. It means because something might happen. We do something now as a precaution, to be ready.
| if | in case |
|---|---|
| I’ll take an umbrella if it rains. (I’ll take it only when it is raining.) | I’ll take an umbrella in case it rains. (I’ll take it now, because it might rain later.) |
Write down my number in case you get lost.
We bought extra food in case more people came.
Grammar after these words
Like if in the first conditional, these words are followed by a present tense when we talk about the future, not will. In the past, in case is followed by a past tense. You can also say just in case to make it stronger, or use it alone at the end: Take a coat, just in case.
✗ I won’t go unless you don’t come with me.
✓ I won’t go unless you come with me.
✗ You can stay as long as you will be quiet.
✓ You can stay as long as you are quiet.
✗ Take some money in case you will need it.
✓ Take some money in case you need it.
✗ I’ll call you in case I’m late. (meaning: only if I’m late)
✓ I’ll call you if I’m late.