Using Adverb Clauses to Express Conditions
These type of clauses are often called "if clauses" in English grammar books and follow conditional sentence patterns. Take a look at the chart below to study the various usage of different time expressions.
Punctuation
When an adverb clause begins the sentence use a comma to separate the two clauses. Example: If he comes, we will have some lunch.. When the adverb clause finishes the sentence there is no need for a comma. Example: He would have invited me if he had known.
If
If we win, we`ll go to Kelly`s to celebrate!
She would buy a house, if she had enough money.
`If` clauses express the conditions necessary for the result. If clauses are followed by expected results based on the condition.
Even if
Even if she saves a lot, she won`t be able to afford that house.
In contrast to sentences with `if` sentences with `even if` show a result that is unexpected based on the condition in the `even if` clause. Example: COMPARE: If she studies hard, she will pass the exam AND Even if she studies hard, she won`t pass the exam.
Whether or not
They won`t be able to come whether or not they have enough money.
Whether they have money or not, they won`t be able to come.
`Whether or not` expresses the idea that neither one condition or another matters; the result will be the same. Notice the possibility of inversion (Whether they have money or not) with `whether or not`.
Unless
Unless she hurries up, we won`t arrive in time.
We won`t go unless he arrives soon.
`Unless` expresses the idea of `if not` Example: Unless she hurries up, we won`t arrive in time. MEANS THE SAME AS: If she doesn`t hurry up, we won`t arrive in time. `Unless` is only used in the first conditional.
In case (that), in the event (that)
In the case you need me, I`ll be at Tom`s.
I`ll be studying upstairs in the event he calls.
`In case` and `in the event` usually mean that you don`t expect something to happen, but if it does... Both are used primarily for future events.
Only if
We`ll give you your bicycle only if you do well on your exams.
Only if you do well on your exams will we give you your bicycle.
`Only if` means `only in the case that something happens - and only if`. This form basically means the same as `if`. However, it does stress the condition for the result. Note that when `only if` begins the sentence you need to invert the main clause.