Conditionals are the backbone of clear, logical writing. And while “if” gets all the attention, there’s a whole family of conditional expressions that native writers use to add precision, formality, and nuance to their arguments. “Provided that” is the most important of these — but it’s just the beginning.
This post covers 10 essential conditional expressions: meaning, correct sentence position, and clear examples. Each one fills a gap that “if” alone cannot.
Why go beyond “if”? “If” is neutral. Conditional expressions like “provided that,” “on condition that,” and “only if” carry stronger logical force and signal formality — essential for essays, contracts, reports, and advanced speaking.
10 Conditional Expressions — Meaning, Position & Examples
- Provided that / Providing that (Sentence-initial or mid-sentence)
Means “on the condition that” — slightly more formal than “if.” States the requirement for the main clause to hold true.
Position: Can open or follow the main clause
You may take the exam again, provided that you submit a fresh application.
Provided that the funds are released, construction will begin next month.
The scholarship is renewable providing that the student maintains a 75% attendance.
2. On condition that (Sentence-initial or after main clause)
Used when a specific requirement must be met before something can happen. More formal and often used in legal or official contexts.
Position: Usually follows the main clause
The accused was released on condition that he reports to the police station weekly.
The loan was approved on condition that the applicant provides collateral.
She agreed to sign the deal on condition that the delivery deadline was guaranteed.
3. As long as / So long as (Sentence-initial or mid-sentence)
Expresses a continuing condition — the main clause remains true for the duration the condition holds. Less formal, more conversational.
Position: Flexible — beginning or middle
As long as you put in consistent effort, results will follow.
You can borrow the notes, so long as you return them before the exam.
As long as the monsoon arrives on time, the harvest will be good this year.
4. Unless (Sentence-initial or after main clause)
Means “except if” or “if not.” Introduces the negative condition under which the main clause will NOT happen.
Position: Both positions; never use with negative main clause
The train will not stop here unless there is an emergency.
Unless the weather clears, the match will be postponed.
Don’t make any decisions unless the manager approves them first.
5. Only if (Sentence-initial (causes inversion) or mid-sentence)
A stronger, more restrictive form of “if.” Emphasises that this is the only acceptable condition.
Position: At start = inverted subject-verb; in middle = normal order
Only if you score above 90% will you be eligible for the merit scholarship.
She will agree to the transfer only if her family can relocate too.
The hospital accepts new registrations only if prior appointments are confirmed.
6. In the event that (Sentence-initial; very formal)
Used for hypothetical or unlikely situations, often in legal or procedural writing. Equivalent to “if it happens that…”
Position: Almost always at the start
In the event that the server goes down, users should contact support immediately.
In the event that both candidates receive equal votes, a re-election will be held.
In the event that the payment is not received, the agreement will be void.
7 Assuming (that) (Sentence-initial or after main clause)
Introduces a hypothetical condition taken as temporarily true for the purpose of argument. Common in analysis and debate.
Position: Flexible; very common in formal writing
Assuming that the project is funded, it could be completed within two years.
Assuming everything goes according to plan, we should launch by March.
The policy will succeed, assuming that all stakeholders cooperate fully.
8. Suppose / Supposing (that) (Sentence-initial; often hypothetical)
Invites the listener to consider a hypothetical scenario. More speculative and informal than “assuming.”
Position: Sentence opener in most cases
Suppose the flight gets cancelled — what is our backup plan?
Supposing that you had unlimited resources, how would you solve the problem?
Suppose the government reverses the decision — how will that affect us?
9. Given that (Sentence-initial; often used with established facts)
Acknowledges a fact or situation as a given, and draws a conclusion from it. Often used in formal argumentation.
Position: Almost always sentence-initial
Given that inflation is rising, it is wise to review household budgets now.
Given that she has ten years of experience, she is the obvious candidate.
Given that over 40% of India’s workforce is in agriculture, rural policy matters enormously.
10. Subject to (After the main clause; formal and legal)
Means “dependent on” or “conditional upon.” Very common in legal, official, and business writing. Followed by a noun or gerund.
Position: After the main clause; followed by noun/-ing
The appointment is confirmed, subject to verification of your original documents.
All prices are subject to change without prior notice.
The merger will proceed subject to receiving regulatory clearance from the Competition Commission.
Position Quick Guide
| Expression | Position | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Provided that | Both positions | Formal |
| On condition that | Usually after main clause | Very formal / legal |
| As long as / so long as | Flexible | Neutral–informal |
| Unless | Both positions | Neutral |
| Only if | Both (inversion at start) | Formal–emphatic |
| In the event that | Sentence-initial | Very formal / legal |
| Assuming that | Flexible | Formal |
| Suppose / Supposing | Sentence-initial | Informal–neutral |
| Given that | Sentence-initial | Formal |
| Subject to | After main clause | Very formal / legal |
These conditional phrases pair well with contrast connectors. See our post on Having Said That and Its Variants to learn how to follow a conditional with a nuanced contrast. Also see Take Into Consideration and Similar Formal Expressions for more formal English building blocks.