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Unit 115 · Conjunctions and prepositions

unless as long as provided

Study

A

Study this example situation:

The club is for members only.

›

You can't go in unless you are a member.

This means: You can't go in except if you are a member. You can go in only if you are a member.

unless = except if

Some more examples of unless:

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I'll see you tomorrow unless I have to work late. (= except if I have to work late)

›

There are no buses to the beach. Unless you have a car, it's difficult to get there. (= except if you have a car)

›

A: Shall I tell Lisa what happened? B: Not unless she asks you. (= tell her only if she asks you)

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Ben hates to complain. He wouldn't complain about something unless it was really bad. (= except if it was really bad)

›

We can take a taxi to the restaurant – unless you'd prefer to walk. (= except if you'd prefer to walk)

Instead of unless it is often possible to say if … not:

›

Unless we leave now, we'll be late. or If we don't leave now, we'll …

B

as long as / so long as and provided / providing

You can say as long as or so long as (= if, on condition that):

›

You can borrow my car {as long as / so long as} you promise not to drive too fast.

(= You can borrow my car, but you must promise not to drive too fast. This is a condition.)

You can also say provided (that) or providing (that):

›

Travelling by car is convenient {provided (that) / providing (that)} you have somewhere to park.

(= It's convenient but only if you have somewhere to park.)

›

{Providing (that) / Provided (that)} the room is clean, I don't mind which hotel we stay at.

(= The room must be clean, but otherwise I don't mind.)

C

unless / as long as etc. for the future

When we are talking about the future, we do not use will after unless / as long as / so long as / provided / providing. We use a present tense (see Unit 25):

›

I'm not going out unless it stops raining. (not unless it will stop)

›

Providing the weather is good, we're going to have a picnic tomorrow. (not providing the weather will be good)

→ If ➜ Units 25, 38–40

Exercises (4)

0/4 exercises checked
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115.1

Write a new sentence with the same meaning. Use unless in your sentence.

  1. 1
    You won't pass the exam you try a bit harder.example
  2. 2
    You won't know what to do you listen carefully.
  3. 3
    I'll never speak to her again she apologises (to me).
  4. 4
    He won't understand you you speak very slowly.
  5. 5
    The company will have to close business improves soon.
  6. 6
    The problem will get worse we do something soon.
115.2

Write sentences with unless.

  1. 1
    The club isn't open to everyone. You're allowed in only if you're a member.
    You aren't allowed in the club you're a member.example
  2. 2
    I don't want to go to the party alone. I'm going only if you go too.
    I'm not going you go too.
  3. 3
    Don't worry about the dog. It will chase you only if you move suddenly.
    The dog won't chase you you move suddenly.
  4. 4
    Ben isn't very talkative. He'll speak to you only if you ask him something.
    Ben won't speak to you you ask him something.
  5. 5
    Today is a public holiday. The doctor will see you only if it's an emergency.
    The doctor won't see you it's an emergency.
115.3

Which is correct?

  1. 1
    You can borrow my car you promise not to drive too fast.example
  2. 2
    We're going to the beach tomorrow the weather is bad.
  3. 3
    We're going to the beach tomorrow the weather is good.
  4. 4
    I don't mind if you come home late you come in quietly.
  5. 5
    I'm going now you want me to stay.
  6. 6
    I don't watch TV I have nothing else to do.
  7. 7
    Children are allowed to use the swimming pool they are with an adult.
  8. 8
    they are with an adult, children are not allowed to use the swimming pool.
  9. 9
    We can sit here in the corner you'd rather sit by the window.
  10. 10
    a: Our holiday cost a lot of money. B: Did it? Well, that doesn't matter {} you enjoyed yourselves.
115.4

Use your own ideas to complete these sentences.

  1. 1
    We'll be late we take a taxi.example
  2. 2
    I like hot weather as long as .
  3. 3
    It takes 20 minutes to drive to the airport provided .
  4. 4
    I don't mind walking home as long as .
  5. 5
    I like to walk to work in the morning unless .
  6. 6
    We can meet tomorrow unless .
  7. 7
    I'll lend you the money providing .
  8. 8
    I'll tell you a secret as long as .
  9. 9
    You won't achieve anything unless .