Alternatives to ‘if’

Instructions:

For each question, choose the correct alternative to replace "if". After each correct answer, a short grammar explanation will be provided.

You can borrow my car, ___ you bring it back by tonight.

• unless

• but for

• as long as

• in case

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: as long as

Explanation: "As long as" is used here to indicate that the condition of bringing the car back is necessary for borrowing it.

NB: provided/providing (that)/ on condition (that)/ as long as (when the condition is necessary for the result)

___ you don't like the movie, we can leave early.

• Provided that

• Unless

• What if

• in case

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: Unless

Explanation: "Unless" expresses a negative condition, meaning "only if you don't like the movie".

NB: unless (expresses a negative condition, meaning only if, if...not)

___ it rains, we will cancel the picnic.

• In case of

• But for

• Supposing

• On condition that

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: Supposing

Explanation: "Supposing" is used to talk about an imaginary situation, such as it raining.

NB: Supposing/ Suppose/ Assuming/ What if (to talk about imaginary situations)

___ you had told me, I wouldn't have made that mistake.

• Provided that

• But for

• In case

• Assuming

Answer explanation

4. Correct Answer: But for

6. 
   Explanation: "But for" is used to refer to a necessary past condition. Here, it suggests that knowing beforehand was crucial.

NB: but for + noun (to talk about necessary past conditions)

___ there's a fire, please use the emergency exit.

• In case

• As long as

• Unless

• Supposing

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: In case

Explanation: "In case" is used to give advice about what to do if a specific situation happens.

NB: in case and in case of (in formal instructions)

___ you don’t want to go, I’ll go alone.

• But for

• Unless

• Provided that

• In case of

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: Unless

Explanation: "Unless" is used to express a negative condition, meaning "only if you don't want to go".

NB: unless (expresses a negative condition, meaning only if, if...not)

We’ll finish the project on time, ___ we get all the necessary resources.

• But for

• As long as

• Assuming

• In case

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: As long as

Explanation: "As long as" indicates that getting the resources is necessary to finish the project on time.

NB: provided/providing (that)/ on condition (that)/ as long as (when the condition is necessary for the result)

I'll lend you the money ___ you pay me back next month.

• Unless

• But for

• Provided that

• Supposing

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: Provided that

Explanation: "Provided that" indicates a necessary condition for lending the money.

NB: provided/providing (that)/ on condition (that)/ as long as (when the condition is necessary for the result)