IF and ALTERNATIVES to IF

Question 1

PROVIDED/PROVIDING (THAT)
SO/AS LONG AS
ONLY IF
ON (THE) CONDITION (THAT)

Answer 1

To emphasize that the condition is necessary to the result.

(THESE CONJUNCTIONS ONLY REFER TO PRESENT OR FUTURE CONDITIONS; WE DO NOT USE THEM WITH THE THIRD CONDITION).

Expenses will be reimbursed ON THE CONDITION THAT receipts are supplied.

Provided you pay the extra fee, we guarantee a sea-view room.

Question 2

EVEN IF

Answer 2

To express a condition that is unexpected in the circumstances

EVEN IF they do go down with flu after they’ve had the vaccination, it’s likely to be less serious.

Question 3

WHETER … OR NOT

Answer 3

To express alternative conditions.

They’ll deliver the furniture WHETHER there’s someone to receive it OR NOT.
The’ll deliver the furniture WHETER OR NOT there’s someone to receive it.

Question 4

In case of (+ noun) [1]

Answer 4

To describe what you should do in a particular situation (usually formal, e.g. written notices)

IN CASE OF (an) EMERGENCY, pull the cord above the bath.
IN CASE OF FIRE, do not use the elevator.

Question 5

In case [2]

Answer 5

We use IN CASE to imagine a precaution necessary for a possible future situation. It’s not the same as IF.

I’ll pop round later IN CASE you’re there (I DON’T KNOW IF YOU’LL BE THERE, BUT I’LL COME ANYWAY).

I’ll pop round later IF you’re there (I’LL ONLY COME IF YOU’RE THERE).

Question 6

THEN

Answer 6

In conditional sentences that start with the IF clause we can use THEN in the main clause to emphasize that the result depends on the condition being fulfilled.

IF the bill is passed by bith parliamentary houses, THEN it becomes law.