Unless, in case and as long as
Go beyond if with unless, in case, as long as, provided that and otherwise.
In this lesson you will
- Use unless (= if not)
- Use in case for precautions
- Use as long as / provided that for conditions
Learn
unless = if … not: You’ll be late unless you leave now (= if you don’t leave now). Don’t use another negative in the clause.
in case = as a precaution, because something might happen: Take an umbrella in case it rains. (Compare: if it rains = only then.)
as long as / provided (that) = only if: You can borrow my car as long as you drive carefully.
otherwise = if not, at the start of a new clause: Hurry, otherwise we’ll miss the train.
Examples
- I won’t go unless you come with me.
- I’ll write down your number in case I forget it.
- You can stay as long as you’re quiet.
- Book now, otherwise it’ll be full.
Vocabulary
unless
if not
in case
because something might happen
as long as
only if
provided that
only if (more formal)
precaution
something done to avoid a problem
Practice
I won’t call ___ it’s urgent.
Speaking
Give advice to a traveller: what to pack in case…, what they can do as long as…, and what will happen unless…
Writing
Write the rules for lending your flat to a friend (60–80 words) using unless, as long as, in case and otherwise.
Lesson quiz
We’ll have the party outside ___ it rains.
Review
Key points
- unless = if not.
- in case = precaution.
- as long as / provided that = only if.
- otherwise = if not.
What you learned
- ✓ I can use unless.
- ✓ I can use in case correctly.
- ✓ I can set conditions.
Grammar reference: Conditionals: zero, first, second and third, Conjunctions and linking words