Grammar Practice in Context - David Bolton, Noel Goodey 1997
42 Unless Incase Provided/providing (that), as long as
Quick reference
• Unless + an affirmative verb = if + a negative verb.
I won’t go to London, unless you come with me. (= if you don’t come with me)
• We use as long as, provided (that), providing (that) to talk about a condition. They’re stronger than if, and they all mean only if.
You can borrow my CD player, as long as you give it back to me tomorrow.
(= You can borrow my CD player, only if you give it back to me tomorrow.)
We could use provided (that) or providing (that) here. The meaning would be the same.
Note that we often leave out that after provided/providing.
You can borrow my CD player, provided you give it back to me tomorrow.
• We use in case to talk about the precautions we take because something might happen.
I’ll take an umbrella in case it rains.
(= It might rain, so I'll take an umbrella as a precaution.)
Take some sea-sick tablets in case you don’t feel well on the boat.
(= You might not feel well on the boat, so take some tablets as a precaution.)
• Note that unless, as long as, provided (that), providing (that), in case are followed by the same tenses as if in the 1st and 2nd conditional. (See Unit 40.)
1 Anna has got some very strict rules for her boyfriends. In the sentences rewrite the clause in italics, using unless.
1 If a boy smokes, she won’t go out with him if he doesn’t stop smoking.
2 She won’t go to the cinema with him if he doesn’t let her pay for herself.
3 When he’s away she isn’t happy if he doesn’t phone her every day.
4 If they have problems, she gets angry if he isn’t prepared to talk about them.
5 If she asks him questions, she isn’t satisfied if he doesn't answer her honestly.
2 Look at these notices. Complete the sentences that explain them, using as long as/provided/ providing.
1 ENTRANCE FOR TICKETHOLDERS ONLY
You can go in ...
2 SWIMMING POOL: UNDER 7s MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT
Under 7s can swim ...
3 PARKING FOR RESIDENTS ONLY
You can park in the street ...
4 NON-SMOKING COMPARTMENT
You can travel in this compartment ...
3 Jenny Railton teaches French in an English school. She is taking a group of young students to Paris. She is telling them what they can and cannot do. Write the word(s) that best fit(s) each space.
Examples: The coach leaves school at 7.30. If you’re late, I’ll be angry (1) unless you’ve got a very ... good excuse. You can wear any clothes you like (2) as long as you look reasonably smart. You can bring your personal stereos (3) ... you don’t play them too loudly on the coach.
In Paris on your free evenings you can go out (4) ... you tell me where you’re going. You can’t go out in the evening (5) ... you’re with at least two other students. You can go into cafes (6) ... you don’t drink alcohol. There’ll be an excursion every day. I’II expect you all to come (7) ... you’re ill. The trip won’t be a success (8) ... you try to speak as much French as possible. Which of you are vegetarians? Vegetarian food will be available for you at the hotel (9) ... you let me know before we leave. The hotel won’t be responsible lor your valuables (10) ... you leave them in the hotel safe. There shouldn’t be any problems (11) ... you keep to the rules and behave sensibly.
4 Katie Wain is going to Copenhagen tomorrow on a business trip. The Danish company is sending Andrea to meet her at the airport. Katie is preparing for her trip. Make the two sentences into one, using in case.
Example: I’ll put my passport in my bag now. 1 might forget it tomorrow morning.
I’II put my passport in my bag now in case I forget it tomorrow morning.
1 I’II pack my case now. I might not have time tomorrow morning.
2 I'll take my hairdryer. There might not be one at the hotel.
3 I’ll take my winter coat. It might be cold in the evening.
4 I’ll phone to confirm my hotel booking. They might not have got my letter.
5 I’ll take Andrea’s phone number. She might not be at the airport to meet me.
6 I’ll book a taxi now. There might not be any available at 8.00 tomorrow.
5 On what conditions would you accept a job in Alaska? Use provided/providing/as long as or unless.
Examples: I'd take the job as long as they offered me a very good salary.
I wouldn't take the job unless they gave me long holidays.
If you were going to sail round the world alone, what precautions would you take and why? Write five sentences using in case.
Examples: I’d take my cat in case I got lonely. I’d say goodbye to all my friends in case I didn’t come back.
Check your answers with a teacher.