ALTERNATIVES to “IF” in conditional sentences
1) Given [that]: Given that she has a PhD, won’t she expecting more than we can offer?
2) Assuming: Assuming that Chelsea lose tomorrow, the manager will be looking for a new job.
3) Supposing: What will you do supposing she leaves you?
4) As long as: I would let him have the flat as long as he got rid of that dog. I’ll come as long as you promise to be there.
5) Providing/provided [that],: I’ll take you to the show providing you finish your homework in time. You could have gone
through Minsk, provided you had obtained a visa in advance.
6) On condition that: The Head promised me the post on condition that I took on the school play.
7) (no) X, (no) Y: No receipt – No refund..........Vote Democrats, lose your job…… No apology, no kissing.
8) The more, the… -er: The faster you run, the better your result. The sooner we finish, the sooner we can go home.
The more you say you love me, the less I trust your honesty. The more you practice, the easier it becomes.
9) Unless: I'm going swimming tomorrow if it doesn't rain. I'm going swimming tomorrow unless it rains.
10) Had it not been for (sth): Had it not been for your help, we wouldn’t have finished on time.
11) Was it not for (sth): Was it not for your constant support, I would be having an emotional breakdown right now.
12) Had (sb) not done (sth): Had you not arrived so late, you would have had a chance to speak to him.
13) Were (sb) not…. : Were he not like his father, he would never have fallen in love with such a woman.
14) May/Should/Might/Could for speculation:
They may have died in that horrible accident. (they were close to dying but they didn’t)
You should have told the truth right from the start – if you had done that, they wouldn’t have kicked you out.
I’ve been thinking about what might have happened had I not invested all my money in that risky gamble.
15) If only!: If only I hadn’t left my wallet in my car. If only they stopped criticizing me. If only I had a normal family…