In English grammar, you have been learning a lot about conditional clauses and how to form those conditional clauses. This time you would be looking at a different perspective by using ‘unless’ and ‘provided that’.
You have already studied about the conditional sentences and observed that ‘if’ is the common feature that affects most of the conditional sentences. For instance, check this,
- If it rains today, I’ll get wet while boarding the bus.
- If I won the lottery this month, I would be traveling to New York.
Unless vs Provided That – Conditional Phrases
It is always possible and correct to use words like ‘provided’, ‘provided that’ and ‘unless’. In this session, we would be discussing the various conditional structure which has their own meaning.
Let’s explore how they can be used without changing the meaning of the sentence and emphasis on the condition.
- I can always lend you lumpsum money provided that you pay me back on time.
- My colleagues said that I would pass the higher level interview provided that I continue to work on my project.
- Provided that the government stays firm in their verdict and decision, we will get crime under control.
- I think I’ll continue my project provided that I have time to complete my work.
In the above sentences, you can easily replace ‘provided that’ with ‘if’. But if wish to use ‘unless’ then you need to understand that ‘unless’ can be used in the conditions that states ‘except if’.
| Note: While using the meaning of ‘except if’, you need to understand that the ‘x’ part of the sentence is generally ‘true’ when the ‘y’ event is happening or something. |
For instance, let’s check this example where we have used unless instead of provided:
- I won’t be able to enjoy my holidays to the fullest unless I earn three times more than I used to do earlier.
- I am happy that I’ll be able to travel to my hometown this month unless the train strikes continue.
The above-given sentence example shows that the conditions are possible but there is a difference between both. In the first case, the speaker does not expect to be able to go on a holiday because of the money he earns. In the second condition, the speaker is being optimistic that he or she would be able to go home but if the condition is fulfilled.
Examples of Sentences Using ‘Unless’ and ‘Provided That’
1. The team would win the championship, providing they avoid penalties.
2. The coding and testing team can leave now unless there is anything left to do now.
3. You can hold the party in the garden provided that it doesn’t cause disturbance to the neighbors.
4. The genuine people can have their name on the list, providing they make a donation.
5. I can let you keep the puppy as long as you promise to take care of it.
6. You can take my car for the long drive as long as you drive carefully.
7. It would be difficult for me to help you unless you tell me what is wrong.
8. I will be able to help you out as long as you tell me what is wrong.
9. The party people wouldn’t eat anything unless they cooked it themselves.
10. You can take the front seat of the bus, providing/provided that / as long as no one has reserved it.
11. My parents are not conservative and they don’t care who I marry as long as I am happy.
12. You can go to the garden to play providing/provided that / as long as you finish your homework first.
Always remember to use the right verb forms in the conditional sentences. In the present simple form, you generally use ‘shall’, ‘should’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘may’ or ‘might’ in the main clause.
Conclusion:
Now, you can understand that conditional clauses can actually begin with ‘unless’, ‘provided’, ‘provided that’ or ‘if’. The important thing to be noted here is that to understand the difference between ‘If’ and ‘Except If’ while making use of ‘unless’ in any conditional sentence.
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