Other Conditional Expressions

B2 · Upper IntermediateConditionals

You can borrow my car, provided that you fill up the tank. Alternatives to 'if,' each with its own register.

What you'll learn

  • Provided that, providing, and on condition that are more formal alternatives to 'if'
  • As long as is a common, more everyday way to state a condition
  • All of these follow the same tense rule as 'if': present simple for a real condition, never 'will'
  • Formal alternatives are common in contracts, agreements, and rules; 'as long as' fits casual conversation too

Alternatives to 'if'

Beyond 'if' and 'unless,' English has several other expressions for stating a condition. Each carries the same basic meaning but fits a different register — some sound formal and official, others sound natural in everyday conversation.

"You can borrow my car, provided that you fill up the tank."
"You can stay out late, as long as you're careful."

Formal: provided that, providing, on condition that

These three are close synonyms, common in contracts, agreements, and formal writing. They all mean 'if' but sound more official.

"The deal was approved, on condition that both parties sign."
"We'll finish on time, providing nothing goes wrong."

Everyday: as long as

'As long as' means the same thing but fits naturally into casual, everyday speech — it doesn't carry the formal, contract-like tone of the other expressions.

"As long as you finish the report, you can leave early."
"I'll help you, as long as it doesn't take too long."

Real English

"You can join the team provided that you attend every practice."
"You can use my laptop as long as you're careful with it."
"You'll get a refund, provided that you keep the receipt."
"The contract is valid on condition that payment is received."

Watch out

✗You can borrow my car, provided that you will fill up the tank.
✓You can borrow my car, provided that you fill up the tank.

These expressions follow the same rule as 'if' — present simple for a real condition, never 'will.'

✗Can I borrow your pen, on condition that you get it back tomorrow?
✓Can I borrow your pen? I'll give it back tomorrow.

'On condition that' sounds overly formal for a small, casual favor between friends — save it for contracts and official agreements.

✗As long as it won't rain, the event will go ahead.
✓As long as it doesn't rain, the event will go ahead.

'As long as' also takes present simple for the condition, not 'will,' even with future meaning.

Real life — Negotiating a favor

"Can I borrow your camera for the trip?"

"Sure, as long as you're careful with it."

"Of course! And I'll bring it back Sunday, provided that the flight isn't delayed."

"Sounds good — just keep me posted."

Practice

Exercise 1 · Choose the correct sentence

Choose the correct sentence with 'provided that.'

Exercise 2 · Choose the correct sentence

Choose the correct sentence with 'as long as.'

Exercise 3 · Choose the more formal expression

Choose the more formal way to say 'if.'

Exercise 4 · Choose the correct sentence

Choose the correct sentence with 'unless.'

Exercise 5 · Choose the correct sentence

Choose the correct sentence with 'providing.'

Exercise 6 · Choose the correct register

Which register is 'provided that' most associated with?

Exercise 7 · Choose the correct sentence

Choose the correct sentence with 'on condition that.'

Exercise 8 · Choose the correct sentence

Choose the correct sentence.

Exercise 9 · Rewrite using 'provided that'

Rewrite using 'provided that': 'You can join the team if you attend every practice.'

Exercise 10 · Rewrite using 'as long as'

Rewrite using 'as long as': 'You can use my laptop if you're careful with it.'

Exercise 11 · Sort into groups

provided that
on condition that
as long as
unless

0 / 4 sorted

Quick challenge

Five quick questions to check what stuck.

Question 1 / 5

Score: 0/0

Choose the correct sentence.

You learned

  • Provided that, providing, and on condition that are formal alternatives to 'if.'
  • As long as is a common, everyday way to state a condition.
  • All follow the same tense rule as 'if' — present simple, never 'will.'
  • Match the expression to the register: formal for agreements, 'as long as' for casual talk too.

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