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Using unless, provided (that), providing, as long as, in case and other alternatives to if.
Practice: build the sentences →English has several expressions that can introduce conditions without using if.
Common alternatives include unless, provided that, providing that, as long as, on condition that, in case, assuming, and supposing.
Unless you hurry, you will miss the train.
Если ты не поторопишься, ты опоздаешь на поезд.
Unless introduces a condition without if.
You can stay provided that you keep the room clean.
Ты можешь остаться при условии, что будешь содержать комнату в чистоте.
Provided that introduces a necessary condition.
Take an umbrella in case it rains.
Возьми зонт на случай, если пойдёт дождь.
In case introduces a precaution.
Unless means if not and introduces a condition that would prevent the result from happening.
For example, Unless you hurry, you will miss the train means If you do not hurry, you will miss the train.
Unless you hurry, you will miss the train.
Если ты не поторопишься, ты опоздаешь на поезд.
Unless = if not.
I will not go unless you come with me.
Я не пойду, если ты не пойдёшь со мной.
Unless introduces a condition that prevents the result.
Unless it rains, we will have a picnic.
Если не будет дождя, мы устроим пикник.
Unless + positive verb.
Unless is normally used when the condition is negative in meaning, so a positive verb usually follows unless.
For example, Unless it rains, we will go out. Avoid forms such as Unless you do not hurry when the intended meaning is simply If you do not hurry.
Unless it rains, we will go out.
Если не будет дождя, мы пойдём гулять.
Positive verb after unless.
Unless you study, you will fail.
Если ты не будешь учиться, ты провалишься.
Positive verb study.
Unless she calls, we will leave without her.
Если она не позвонит, мы уйдём без неё.
Positive verb calls.
Unless and if not can often express the same condition, but they are not always interchangeable in every context.
For example, Unless you study, you will fail can correspond to If you do not study, you will fail.
Unless you study, you will fail.
Если ты не будешь учиться, ты провалишься.
Unless = if not.
If you do not study, you will fail.
Если ты не будешь учиться, ты провалишься.
If not version.
I will be surprised if he does not come.
Я удивлюсь, если он не придёт.
If not used; unless would change meaning.
Provided that introduces a condition that must be satisfied for something else to happen or be true.
For example, You can stay here provided that you keep the room clean.
You can stay here provided that you keep the room clean.
Ты можешь остаться здесь при условии, что будешь содержать комнату в чистоте.
Provided that introduces a necessary condition.
We will go provided that the weather is good.
Мы пойдём при условии, что погода будет хорошей.
Provided that = on condition that.
Providing that has the same basic conditional meaning as provided that.
For example, We can finish on time providing that everyone works efficiently.
We can finish on time providing that everyone works efficiently.
Мы можем закончить вовремя при условии, что все работают эффективно.
Providing that = provided that.
You can use my laptop providing that you are careful.
Ты можешь пользоваться моим ноутбуком при условии, что будешь осторожен.
Providing that introduces a condition.
As long as introduces a condition that must continue to be satisfied for the result to apply.
For example, You can borrow my car as long as you drive carefully.
You can borrow my car as long as you drive carefully.
Ты можешь взять мою машину, при условии, что будешь ехать осторожно.
As long as introduces a continuing condition.
I will help you as long as you ask politely.
Я помогу тебе, если ты вежливо попросишь.
As long as = provided that.
So long as can express the same basic conditional meaning as as long as.
For example, You can use the room so long as you leave it clean.
You can use the room so long as you leave it clean.
Ты можешь пользоваться комнатой, при условии, что оставишь её чистой.
So long as = as long as.
We will support you so long as you tell the truth.
Мы будем поддерживать тебя, пока ты говоришь правду.
So long as introduces a condition.
On condition that introduces a condition that must be fulfilled for something to happen.
For example, They agreed to help on condition that we paid the costs.
They agreed to help on condition that we paid the costs.
Они согласились помочь при условии, что мы оплатим расходы.
On condition that introduces a strict condition.
She will lend you the money on condition that you repay it quickly.
Она одолжит тебе деньги при условии, что ты быстро их вернёшь.
On condition that.
In case introduces a precaution taken because something may happen.
For example, Take an umbrella in case it rains. The action of taking the umbrella is a precaution, not a result that depends on the rain occurring.
Take an umbrella in case it rains.
Возьми зонт на случай, если пойдёт дождь.
In case introduces a precaution.
I will bring some extra money in case we need it.
Я возьму немного дополнительных денег на случай, если они понадобятся.
In case + clause.
In case and if express different relationships between events.
If describes a condition for an event to occur, while in case describes a precaution against a possible event.
Take an umbrella in case it rains.
Возьми зонт на случай, если пойдёт дождь.
In case: precaution.
We will stay at home if it rains.
Мы останемся дома, если пойдёт дождь.
If: condition for the result.
I will take an umbrella if it rains.
Я возьму зонт, если пойдёт дождь.
If: action depends on rain.
In case of is followed by a noun phrase and introduces a situation for which a precaution or procedure applies.
For example, In case of fire, use the emergency exit.
In case of fire, use the emergency exit.
В случае пожара пользуйтесь аварийным выходом.
In case of + noun.
In case of emergency, call this number.
В случае чрезвычайной ситуации позвоните по этому номеру.
In case of + noun phrase.
In the event that introduces a possible future situation, especially in formal or official language.
For example, In the event that the flight is cancelled, passengers will receive a refund.
In the event that the flight is cancelled, passengers will receive a refund.
В случае отмены рейса пассажиры получат возврат средств.
In the event that: formal.
In the event that you need help, please contact us.
В случае, если вам понадобится помощь, свяжитесь с нами.
Formal conditional.
Assuming that introduces a condition that the speaker accepts as a basis for considering a possible result.
For example, Assuming that everything goes according to plan, we will finish tomorrow.
Assuming that everything goes according to plan, we will finish tomorrow.
Предполагая, что всё идёт по плану, мы закончим завтра.
Assuming that: condition accepted as basis.
Assuming that the figures are correct, the project is affordable.
Если предположить, что цифры верны, проект доступен по цене.
Assuming that.
Supposing can introduce a hypothetical condition and is especially common when asking someone to consider an imagined situation.
For example, Supposing you lost your passport, what would you do?
Supposing you lost your passport, what would you do?
Предположим, ты потерял паспорт, что бы ты сделал?
Supposing introduces a hypothetical situation.
Supposing it rains, will the event be cancelled?
А если пойдёт дождь, мероприятие отменят?
Supposing for hypothetical question.
Suppose can introduce a hypothetical condition or situation for discussion.
For example, Suppose we missed the last train. What would we do?
Suppose we missed the last train. What would we do?
Предположим, мы опоздали на последний поезд. Что бы мы делали?
Suppose introduces a hypothetical.
Suppose you were offered the job. Would you take it?
Предположим, тебе предложили работу. Ты бы согласился?
Suppose + past simple for hypothetical.
Imagine can introduce a hypothetical situation that the speaker wants the listener to consider.
For example, Imagine you had to live without your phone for a month.
Imagine you had to live without your phone for a month.
Представь, что тебе пришлось бы жить без телефона месяц.
Imagine introduces a hypothetical scenario.
Imagine you won the lottery. What would you do first?
Представь, что ты выиграл в лотерею. Что бы ты сделал первым?
Imagine for hypothetical consideration.
Whether or not can introduce two possible alternatives rather than a single condition.
For example, We will go whether or not it rains.
We will go whether or not it rains.
Мы пойдём, независимо от того, будет дождь или нет.
Whether or not: two alternatives.
She will attend whether or not she is invited.
Она придёт, независимо от того, пригласят её или нет.
Whether or not.
Even if introduces a condition that is not expected to change the result.
For example, I will go even if it rains.
I will go even if it rains.
Я пойду, даже если пойдёт дождь.
Even if: result unchanged.
Even if you apologize, I will not forgive you.
Даже если ты извинишься, я тебя не прощу.
Even if emphasizes the result remains.
Even if emphasizes that the result remains true despite the condition.
Compare If it rains, we may stay home with Even if it rains, we will go out.
If it rains, we may stay home.
Если пойдёт дождь, мы, возможно, останемся дома.
If: condition for result.
Even if it rains, we will go out.
Даже если пойдёт дождь, мы пойдём гулять.
Even if: result does not change.
Assuming generally presents a condition accepted as a working basis, while supposing more often invites consideration of a hypothetical situation.
For example, Assuming the figures are correct, the project is affordable. Supposing the figures are wrong, what would we do?
Assuming the figures are correct, the project is affordable.
Если предположить, что цифры верны, проект доступен по цене.
Assuming: working basis.
Supposing the figures are wrong, what would we do?
Предположим, цифры неверны, что бы мы делали?
Supposing: hypothetical consideration.
Provided that and as long as can both introduce necessary conditions, although as long as often emphasizes that the condition continues to be satisfied.
For example, You can stay provided that you are quiet and You can stay as long as you are quiet.
You can stay provided that you are quiet.
Ты можешь остаться при условии, что будешь тихим.
Provided that: condition must be met.
You can stay as long as you are quiet.
Ты можешь остаться, пока будешь тихим.
As long as: condition must continue.
Formal and official English often uses expressions such as provided that, on condition that, and in the event that.
These forms are common in contracts, policies, instructions, and formal statements.
The offer is valid provided that you respond within ten days.
Предложение действительно при условии, что вы ответите в течение десяти дней.
Formal: provided that.
In the event that the contract is terminated, notice must be given.
В случае расторжения договора необходимо уведомление.
Formal: in the event that.
Conversational English commonly uses unless, as long as, suppose, supposing, and imagine.
The choice depends on whether the speaker is stating a requirement, giving a precaution, or inviting the listener to consider a hypothetical situation.
Unless you hurry, we will be late.
Если ты не поторопишься, мы опоздаем.
Conversational: unless.
As long as you are happy, I am happy.
Пока ты счастлив, я счастлив.
Conversational: as long as.
Suppose we go to the cinema tonight?
Предположим, мы пойдём в кино сегодня вечером?
Conversational: suppose.
Use each alternative to if according to its specific meaning and grammatical pattern.
Common mistakes include confusing unless with if...not, using in case as a direct synonym for if, using negative clauses after unless unnecessarily, and confusing provided that with in case.
Unless you hurry, you will miss the train.
Если ты не поторопишься, ты опоздаешь на поезд.
Correct: unless + positive verb.
Unless you do not hurry, you will miss the train.
Если ты не поторопишься, ты опоздаешь на поезд.
Incorrect: unless already means if not; double negative.
Take an umbrella in case it rains.
Возьми зонт на случай, если пойдёт дождь.
Correct: in case for precaution.
Take an umbrella if it rains.
Возьми зонт, если пойдёт дождь.
If is not a precaution; it is a condition.
You can stay provided that you are quiet.
Ты можешь остаться при условии, что будешь тихим.
Correct: provided that.
You can stay in case you are quiet.
Ты можешь остаться на случай, если будешь тихим.
Incorrect: in case does not mean provided that.