If / Unless
Expressing conditions for desirable outcomes
If / Unless
| IF | UNLESS |
|---|---|
If – in this condition (one of many) – indicates a condition to achieve a desired outcome. |
Unless (if not) –introduces the likely outcome if failing to do the action in the main clause. |
You will have a tender turkey if you cook your turkey like this. If you cook your turkey like this, you will have a tender turkey. |
You will have a tough turkey unless you cook your turkey like this. Unless you cook your turkey like this, you will have a tough turkey. |
Only if / Otherwise
| ONLY IF | OTHERWISE |
|---|---|
Only if – under this condition – emphasizes the one, specific condition to achieve the desired outcome. Emphasis-word-order requires the subject to switch positions with the auxilliary verb. |
Otherwise – if not – indicates the likely outcome if you do the opposite action from the one indicated in the sentence before it. |
You will have a delicious dinner only if you cook your turkey like this. Only if you cook your turkey like this, will you have a delicious dinner. |
Cook your turkey like this. Otherwise, you will have a tough turkey. |
if this condition is met = under this condition
Condition & Result Phrasing
| CONDITION | RESULTING ACTION |
|---|---|
If you use a thermometer, |
you will know when your turkey is done. |
Only if you use a thermometer, |
will you know when your turkey is done. |
Provided that you use a thermometer, |
you will know when your turkey is done. |
Unless you use a thermometer, |
you won't know when your turkey is done.
|
Use a thermometer. |
Otherwise, you won't know when your turkey is done. |
Use a thermometer, |
or else you won't know when your turkey is done. |
Note: Sometimes, using the negative form is a way for the speaker to impose his/her will. Compare: "Are you tired?" and "Aren't you tired?". The speaker, when using the negative, wants the listener to agree.
Only If
Word Order – Transposition
Only IF (at the beginning of the sentence)
| CONDITION | RESULTING ACTION | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Conjunction |
Condition (followed by a comma) |
Outcome – the auxiliary verb moves in front of the subject. |
|
|
|
|
![]() |
Only if |
you dry your dishes with a towel, |
will they be spotless! |
|
If |
you use Zing dish soap, |
you get really clean dishes. |
|
Only if |
you use Zing dish soap, |
do you get really clean dishes. (get = do get) |
|
If |
you used Zing dish soap, |
you got really clean dishes. (got = did get) |
|
Only if |
you used Zing dish soap, |
did you get really clean dishes. |
|
Note: If there is no auxiliary verb , you will need to add one.
Only if vs. If only
| ONLY IF | IF ONLY |
|---|---|
Us only if to indicate the one condition required to achieve a desired effect. (under one condition) When used at the beginning of the sentence the auxiliary verb is moved before the subject. |
Use if only to express a wish – one that you are doubtful about actually happening. The result clause is optional and is separate. It is more emphatic than I wish… |
Only if you dry your dishes with a towel, will they be spotless! |
If only I had more time! ( I could relax.) |
Only if you clean up your room, will you find your lost jeans. |
If only you would clean up your room. You would find your lost jeans. |
Your windows will be clean enough to see your face only if you wash them with Zing! |
If only I had some Zing window cleaner. |
I will please my mother-in-law only if my house is clean. |
If only I could please my mother-in-law. (past) |
I am happy only if you are here. / Only if you are here, am I happy. |
If only you were here! |
She was pleasant only if we told her what she wanted to hear. |
If only he hadn't told his mother everything. (past) |
Also see Wishes (only if)
Even if & Whether or not
| EVEN IF | WHETHER OR NOT |
|---|---|
without condition; used before a negative condition or verb |
without condition; used with a positive verb |
I'll help you even if I don't have much time. |
I'll help you whether or not I have much time. |
I like to walk to work even if it is raining. (negative context - bad weather) |
I like to walk to work whether or not it is raining. |
Even if your father doesn't say it, he loves you. |
Whether or not your father says it, he loves you. |
Also see even if Adverbs of Emphasis
Practice
Road Rules
- Select the answer that best completes the sentence.
- Then, check your answer by clicking the check button to the right.
- More than one answer may be correct.
- Note the punctuation (which affects the meaning of the sentence.)

