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Using whether, even if, even though, supposing, imagine and similar conditional expressions.
Practice: build the sentences →First conditional: If + present simple, ... will + bare infinitive. Unless = if not.
Practice forming natural conditional sentences from scrambled words.
If it rains, we will stay at home.
Если пойдёт дождь, мы останемся дома.
First conditional: if + present simple, will + bare infinitive.
Unless you hurry, you will miss the train.
Если не поторопишься, ты опоздаешь на поезд.
Unless = if not.
If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
Если будешь усердно учиться, ты сдашь экзамен.
First conditional.
Unless it stops raining, we will not go out.
Если дождь не прекратится, мы не пойдём гулять.
Unless + present simple, will not.
English uses a variety of expressions to introduce conditions, alternatives, hypothetical situations, and concessions.
Expressions such as whether, even if, even though, supposing, suppose, imagine, and in the event that can add meanings that go beyond a simple if-clause.
Whether you like it or not, we have to go.
Нравится тебе это или нет, мы должны идти.
Whether introduces alternatives.
Even if it rains, we will go.
Даже если пойдёт дождь, мы пойдём.
Even if for concession.
Supposing you lost your keys, what would you do?
Предположим, ты потерял ключи, что бы ты сделал?
Supposing introduces hypothetical.
Imagine you could fly. Where would you go?
Представь, что ты умеешь летать. Куда бы ты полетел?
Imagine for hypothetical.
In the event that the flight is cancelled, you will get a refund.
В случае отмены рейса вы получите возврат.
In the event that formal.
Whether introduces two or more possible alternatives and indicates that the result does not depend on which alternative is true.
For example, I do not know whether he will come and We will go whether it rains or not.
I do not know whether he will come.
Я не знаю, придёт ли он.
Whether introduces indirect question.
We will go whether it rains or not.
Мы пойдём, независимо от того, будет дождь или нет.
Whether...or not.
She asked whether I needed help.
Она спросила, нужна ли мне помощь.
Whether in reported speech.
Whether we win or lose, we must play fairly.
Выиграем мы или проиграем, мы должны играть честно.
Whether for alternatives.
Whether or not emphasizes that the result applies regardless of whether the condition is fulfilled.
For example, We will continue whether or not they agree.
We will continue whether or not they agree.
Мы продолжим, независимо от того, согласятся они или нет.
Whether or not emphasizes independence.
I will support you whether or not you succeed.
Я поддержу тебя, независимо от того, добьёшься ты успеха или нет.
Whether or not.
Whether or not it is true, we must investigate.
Правда это или нет, мы должны расследовать.
Whether or not.
Whether is preferred when presenting alternatives or when the question involves two possible states, while if often introduces a condition.
Compare I do not know whether she will come with If she comes, we will start the meeting.
I do not know whether she will come.
Я не знаю, придёт ли она.
Whether preferred for alternatives.
If she comes, we will start the meeting.
Если она придёт, мы начнём встречу.
If for condition.
I asked whether he was ready.
Я спросил, готов ли он.
Whether in indirect question.
I asked if he was ready.
Я спросил, готов ли он.
If also possible but less formal for alternatives.
Whether can be followed by a to-infinitive when the meaning is to choose between alternatives.
For example, I cannot decide whether to stay or leave.
I cannot decide whether to stay or leave.
Я не могу решить, остаться или уйти.
Whether + to-infinitive.
She wondered whether to accept the offer.
Она раздумывала, принять ли предложение.
Whether + infinitive.
He could not decide whether to laugh or cry.
Он не мог решить, смеяться или плакать.
Whether + infinitive.
Whether can be paired with or to explicitly state alternative possibilities.
For example, I do not know whether to call him or send a message.
I do not know whether to call him or send a message.
Я не знаю, позвонить ему или отправить сообщение.
Whether...or alternatives.
She could not decide whether to go by train or by bus.
Она не могла решить, ехать поездом или автобусом.
Whether...or.
Whether we go now or later, we will be late.
Пойдём мы сейчас или позже, мы опоздаем.
Whether...or.
Even if introduces a condition whose occurrence does not change the main 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 не прощу тебя.
Even if concession.
She will attend even if she is tired.
Она придёт, даже если устанет.
Even if.
Even if emphasizes that the result remains true despite the condition, whereas if simply introduces a 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.
Even if it rains, we will go out.
Даже если пойдёт дождь, мы пойдём гулять.
Even if result unchanged.
If you study, you will pass.
Если будешь учиться, сдашь.
If condition.
Even if you study, you may not pass.
Даже если будешь учиться, можешь не сдать.
Even if emphasizes result despite condition.
Even though introduces a fact that contrasts with the main clause but does not normally express a condition.
For example, Even though it was raining, we went for a walk.
Even though it was raining, we went for a walk.
Хотя шёл дождь, мы пошли гулять.
Even though introduces fact.
Even though she was tired, she finished the report.
Хотя она устала, она закончила отчёт.
Even though.
I like him even though he is a bit rude.
Он мне нравится, хотя немного грубоват.
Even though.
Even if introduces a hypothetical or possible condition, while even though introduces a fact that is already true.
Compare Even if it rains, we will go with Even though it is raining, we are going.
Even if it rains, we will go.
Даже если пойдёт дождь, мы пойдём.
Even if hypothetical.
Even though it is raining, we are going.
Хотя сейчас идёт дождь, мы идём.
Even though fact.
Even if you tell him, he will not believe you.
Даже если ты скажешь ему, он не поверит.
Even if hypothetical.
Even though you told him, he did not believe you.
Хотя ты сказал ему, он не поверил.
Even though fact.
Suppose can introduce a hypothetical situation for discussion or consideration.
For example, Suppose you lost your passport. What would you do?
Suppose you lost your passport. What would you do?
Предположим, ты потерял паспорт. Что бы ты сделал?
Suppose + past simple for hypothetical.
Suppose we miss the last train.
Предположим, мы опоздаем на последний поезд.
Suppose + present for future possibility.
Suppose she does not come. What then?
Предположим, она не придёт. Что тогда?
Suppose.
Supposing can introduce a hypothetical condition, often inviting the listener to consider an imagined situation.
For example, Supposing the train were cancelled, what would we do?
Supposing the train were cancelled, what would we do?
Предположим, поезд отменили, что бы мы делали?
Supposing + past subjunctive.
Supposing you won the lottery, how would you spend it?
Предположим, ты выиграл в лотерею, как бы ты потратил деньги?
Supposing hypothetical.
Supposing it rains, will the event be cancelled?
А если пойдёт дождь, мероприятие отменят?
Supposing for tentative.
Suppose and supposing have similar conditional meanings, but supposing often sounds more exploratory or tentative.
Both can introduce an imagined situation for discussion.
Suppose we go to the cinema tonight.
Предположим, мы пойдём в кино сегодня вечером.
Suppose suggestion.
Supposing we went to the cinema tonight, would you enjoy it?
Предположим, мы пошли бы в кино сегодня вечером, тебе бы понравилось?
Supposing more tentative.
Suppose you had a million dollars.
Предположим, у тебя есть миллион долларов.
Suppose hypothetical.
Supposing you had a million dollars, what would you do?
Предположим, у тебя был бы миллион долларов, что бы ты сделал?
Supposing more exploratory.
Imagine can introduce a hypothetical situation that the speaker wants the listener to consider mentally.
For example, Imagine you were offered a job abroad. Would you accept it?
Imagine you were offered a job abroad. Would you accept it?
Представь, тебе предложили работу за границей. Ты бы согласился?
Imagine + clause.
Imagine living in another country.
Представь, что ты живёшь в другой стране.
Imagine + gerund.
Imagine you could travel anywhere. Where would you go?
Представь, что ты мог бы поехать куда угодно. Куда бы ты поехал?
Imagine.
Imagine can be followed by a full clause when presenting a hypothetical situation.
For example, Imagine you won the lottery and had no financial worries.
Imagine you won the lottery and had no financial worries.
Представь, ты выиграл в лотерею и у тебя нет финансовых забот.
Imagine + clause.
Imagine she said yes. What would you do?
Представь, она сказала да. Что бы ты сделал?
Imagine + clause.
Imagine we had more time.
Представь, у нас было бы больше времени.
Imagine + clause.
Imagine can also be followed by an -ing form when referring to a possible or hypothetical situation.
For example, Imagine living in another country.
Imagine living in another country.
Представь, что ты живёшь в другой стране.
Imagine + gerund.
Imagine winning the lottery.
Представь, что ты выиграл в лотерею.
Imagine + gerund.
Imagine having to work every weekend.
Представь, что тебе приходится работать каждые выходные.
Imagine + gerund.
Assuming that introduces a condition that the speaker accepts as a basis for considering a conclusion or result.
For example, Assuming that the data are accurate, the conclusion is reasonable.
Assuming that the data are accurate, the conclusion is reasonable.
Если предположить, что данные точны, вывод разумен.
Assuming that condition.
Assuming that everyone agrees, we can proceed.
Если предположить, что все согласны, мы можем продолжить.
Assuming that.
Assuming that he is telling the truth, we can trust him.
Если предположить, что он говорит правду, мы можем ему доверять.
Assuming that.
Assuming that presents a condition as a working assumption, while if is more neutral about whether the condition is true.
For example, Assuming that he is telling the truth, we can trust the information.
Assuming that he is telling the truth, we can trust the information.
Если предположить, что он говорит правду, мы можем доверять информации.
Assuming working basis.
If he is telling the truth, we can trust the information.
Если он говорит правду, мы можем доверять информации.
If neutral.
Assuming that the figures are correct, the project is affordable.
Если предположить, что цифры верны, проект доступен.
Assuming.
If the figures are correct, the project is affordable.
Если цифры верны, проект доступен.
If.
In the event that introduces a possible situation, especially in formal or official language.
For example, In the event that the flight is cancelled, passengers will be given a refund.
In the event that the flight is cancelled, passengers will be given a refund.
В случае отмены рейса пассажирам вернут деньги.
In the event that formal.
In the event that you need help, please contact us.
В случае, если вам понадобится помощь, свяжитесь с нами.
In the event that.
In the event that the contract is terminated, notice must be given.
В случае расторжения договора необходимо уведомление.
In the event that.
In the event of is followed by a noun phrase and introduces a possible situation for which a procedure or response applies.
For example, In the event of an emergency, leave the building immediately.
In the event of an emergency, leave the building immediately.
В случае чрезвычайной ситуации немедленно покиньте здание.
In the event of + noun.
In the event of fire, use the emergency exit.
В случае пожара используйте аварийный выход.
In the event of.
In the event of a delay, we will inform you.
В случае задержки мы сообщим вам.
In the event of.
Otherwise can express the result that will occur if a stated condition is not fulfilled.
For example, Hurry up, otherwise we will miss the train.
Hurry up, otherwise we will miss the train.
Поторопись, иначе мы опоздаем на поезд.
Otherwise negative result.
You must study, otherwise you will fail.
Ты должен учиться, иначе провалишься.
Otherwise.
Take an umbrella, otherwise you will get wet.
Возьми зонт, иначе промокнешь.
Otherwise.
Or else can introduce a negative consequence if the preceding instruction or condition is not followed.
For example, Put the documents somewhere safe, or else you may lose them.
Put the documents somewhere safe, or else you may lose them.
Положи документы в безопасное место, иначе можешь их потерять.
Or else negative consequence.
We must leave now, or else we will be late.
Мы должны уйти сейчас, иначе опоздаем.
Or else.
Do your homework, or else you cannot go out.
Сделай домашнее задание, иначе не пойдёшь гулять.
Or else.
No matter whether introduces alternatives that do not affect the main result.
For example, No matter whether he agrees, we will continue.
No matter whether he agrees, we will continue.
Независимо от того, согласен он или нет, мы продолжим.
No matter whether alternatives.
No matter whether it rains or shines, the event will take place.
Независимо от того, будет дождь или солнце, мероприятие состоится.
No matter whether.
No matter whether you like it or not, you have to follow the rules.
Нравится тебе это или нет, ты должен соблюдать правила.
No matter whether.
No matter what introduces an unrestricted condition in which the result remains the same regardless of the circumstances.
For example, No matter what happens, we will support you.
No matter what happens, we will support you.
Что бы ни случилось, мы поддержим тебя.
No matter what.
No matter what you say, I will not change my mind.
Что бы ты ни сказал, я не изменю своего мнения.
No matter what.
No matter what the weather is like, we are going.
Какая бы ни была погода, мы идём.
No matter what.
No matter can combine with question words to express that the result remains unchanged regardless of place, time, or person.
For example, No matter where you go, you will find people speaking English.
No matter where you go, you will find people speaking English.
Куда бы ты ни поехал, ты найдёшь людей, говорящих по-английски.
No matter where.
No matter when you call, I will answer.
Когда бы ты ни позвонил, я отвечу.
No matter when.
No matter who asks, do not tell them.
Кто бы ни спрашивал, не говори им.
No matter who.
No matter how hard I try, I cannot solve this problem.
Как бы я ни старался, я не могу решить эту проблему.
No matter how.
English can express conditional relationships without an explicit if-clause by using linking expressions, adverbs, imperatives, or alternative constructions.
For example, Hurry up, otherwise we will miss the train and Take an umbrella in case it rains.
Hurry up, otherwise we will miss the train.
Поторопись, иначе мы опоздаем на поезд.
Otherwise conditional.
Take an umbrella in case it rains.
Возьми зонт на случай, если пойдёт дождь.
In case precaution.
Study hard, and you will pass.
Учись усердно, и ты сдашь.
Imperative + and = condition.
Do not touch that, or you will get burned.
Не трогай это, иначе обожжёшься.
Or else conditional.
Formal writing often uses expressions such as assuming that, in the event that, and whether or not to express conditions and alternatives precisely.
These expressions are particularly common in legal, academic, technical, and administrative contexts.
Assuming that the data are accurate, the conclusion is reasonable.
Если предположить, что данные точны, вывод разумен.
Assuming that formal.
In the event that the contract is terminated, notice must be given.
В случае расторжения договора необходимо уведомление.
In the event that.
Whether or not the proposal is accepted, we must proceed.
Примем ли мы предложение или нет, мы должны продолжить.
Whether or not.
On condition that the payment is made, the goods will be shipped.
При условии оплаты товар будет отправлен.
On condition that.
Conversational English commonly uses suppose, supposing, imagine, even if, and no matter what to frame hypothetical situations or emphasize outcomes.
These forms can make hypothetical discussion more natural and interactive.
Suppose we go to the cinema tonight.
Предположим, мы пойдём в кино сегодня вечером.
Suppose conversational.
Supposing you lost your keys, what would you do?
Предположим, ты потерял ключи, что бы ты сделал?
Supposing.
Imagine you could fly. Where would you go?
Представь, что ты умеешь летать. Куда бы ты полетел?
Imagine.
Even if it rains, we will go.
Даже если пойдёт дождь, мы пойдём.
Even if.
No matter what happens, we will support you.
Что бы ни случилось, мы поддержим тебя.
No matter what.
Use each conditional expression according to its meaning and grammatical pattern rather than treating all of them as direct synonyms of if.
Common mistakes include confusing even if with even though, using in case as a direct replacement for if, confusing whether with if, and using no matter constructions incorrectly.
Even if it rains, we will go.
Даже если пойдёт дождь, мы пойдём.
Correct even if.
Even though it rains, we will go.
Хотя идёт дождь, мы пойдём.
Incorrect if using even though for hypothetical; even though is for fact.
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 condition, not precaution.
I do not know whether she will come.
Я не знаю, придёт ли она.
Correct whether for alternatives.
I do not know if she will come or not.
Я не знаю, придёт ли она или нет.
Also correct but whether is preferred for or not.