If / Unless
Expressing a specific condition for an outcome
If / Unless
| IF | UNLESS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
An if clause states a condition to achieve a specific outcome. The (dependent) if clause may be placed before or after the the main (independent) clause. |
An unless clause states a condition that is an exception to achieving the outcome in the main clause. |
||
OUTCOME You will have a tender turkey |
IF if you cook it slowly. |
OUTCOME You will have a tender turkey |
EXCEPT IF / IF NOT unless you overcook it. |
You will have a tough turkey |
if you overcook it. |
You will have a tough turkey |
unless you cook it slowly. |
We'll arrive at 8:00 |
if our train is on time. |
We'll arrive at 8:00 |
unless our train is late. |
We'll bring some champagne |
if you wish. |
We'll bring some champagne. |
unless you object. |
Emphasis Clause Order
| EMPHASIS PLACEMENT | STANDARD PLACEMENT |
|---|---|
The if or unless-clause can be placed before the outcome clause for emphasis. A comma is placed after the if clause. |
When the if or unless clause is placed after the main clause, no particular emphasis is intended, and a comma is not used. |
If you wish, we'll bring some champagne. |
We'll bring some champagne If you wish. |
Unless you object, we'll bring some champagne. |
We'll bring some champagne unless you object. |
Tense Use
| PRESENT / PAST | FUTURE |
|---|---|
When discussing habits or routines, the present or the past tense can be used in conditioned statements. See Pres-Past Conditions. |
However, when discussing future plans, the present tense is used to refer to the future in the unless-clause or if-clause. |
We usually arrive at 8:00 if our train is on time. |
We will arrive at 8:00 if our train is on time. |
We always arrive at 8:00 unless our train is late. |
We'll arrive at 8:00 unless our train is late. |
*Yellow highlighting indicates example of incorrect usage.
Connectors for Condition vs. Outcome
| CONDITION | OUTCOME |
|---|---|
An if clause poses a condition in order to achieve an outcome: if, only if, unless , provided that |
In contrast, the outcome of an otherwise or an or else clause statesthe likely outcome if you do not do the action in the clause or sentence before it. |
ONE WAY (OTHERS MAY EXIST) If you use a thermometer, |
OUTCOME you will know when your turkey is done. |
ONLY ONE WAY Only if you use a thermometer, |
OUTCOME will you know when your turkey is done. (auxiliary verb goes before subject) |
SPECIFICALLY THIS WAY Provided that you use a thermometer, |
OUTCOME you will know when your turkey is done. |
NOT DOING IT THIS WAY (– / +) Unless you use a thermometer (+) |
OUTCOME (+ / –) you won't know when your turkey is done. (–) |
Unless you leave it in the oven too long, (–) |
you will have a delicious turkey. (+) |
ONE WAY Use a thermometer. |
OUTCOME Otherwise, you won't know when your turkey is done. (Introduces an independent clause) |
ONE WAY Use a thermometer, |
OUTCOME or else you won't know when your turkey is done. |
Note: compare "Are you tired?" and "Aren't you tired?". The speaker, when using the negative, wants the listener to agree.
Only If
Word Order – Transposition
Only if (at the beginning of the sentence)
| CONDITION | OUTCOME |
|---|---|
Both an if and an only if clause may be placed at the beginning of a sentence. A comma separates the condition clause from the outcome clause. |
Note that he outcome of the only-if clause has the auxiliary verb placed before the subject. |
|
|
Only if you dry your dishes with a towel, |
will they [will] be spotless! |
If you use Zing dish soap, |
you get really clean dishes. |
Only if you use Zing dish soap, |
do you [do] get really clean dishes. (get = do get) |
If you used Zing dish soap, |
you got really clean dishes. (got = did get) |
Only if you used Zing dish soap, |
did you [did] get really clean dishes. |
A Condition vs. A Wish
| ONLY IF | IF ONLY |
|---|---|
An only if clause states one condition required to achieve a desired effect. (under one condition) When used at the beginning of the sentence the auxiliary verb is moved before the subject. |
An if only clause expresses a wish – one that you are doubtful about actually happening. The result clause is optional and is separate. It is more emphatic than I wish… |
ONE CONDITION Only if you dry your dishes with a towel, will they be spotless! |
I WISH… If only I had more time! I could relax. |
Only if you clean up your room, will you find your lost jeans. |
If only you would clean up your room. You would find your lost jeans. |
Your windows will be clean enough to see your face only if you wash them with Zing! |
If only I had some Zing window cleaner. |
I will please my mother-in-law only if my house is clean. |
If only I could please my mother-in-law. |
I am happy only if you are here. / Only if you are here, am I happy. |
If only you were here! |
She was pleasant only if we told her what she wanted to hear. |
If only he hadn't told his mother everything. |
Also see Wishes (only if)
Even if & Whether or not
| EVEN IF | WHETHER OR NOT | ||
|---|---|---|---|
An even if states a challenging or negative condition. The speaker is saying that no condition will stop the outcome. Even if emphasizes the speakers intent to achieve the outcome or goal without regard for a difficult or negative condition. |
A whether or not clause states that no condition (or its alternative) will stop the completion of the outcome in the main clause. That is, if the condition exists or if the condition does not exist, the outcome will or must happen anyway. Whether can be split apart from or not by the subject and verb phrase of the clause. See If / Whether |
||
OUTCOME I'll help you |
CHALLENGING CONDITION even if I don't have much time. |
OUTCOME I'll help you |
THE CONDITION DOESN'T MATTER whether or not I have much time. |
I like to walk to work |
even if it is raining. |
I like to walk to work |
whether it is raining or not . |
Your father loves you |
even if your father doesn't say it |
Your father loves you |
whether or not he says it. |
He'll get his work done |
even if he has to work all night.
|
He'll get his work done |
whether or not we wants to work all night. |
alternative (n.) – something you can choose to do or use instead of something else
Also see even if Adverbs of Emphasis
Practice
Road Rules
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