in case · provided that · supposing · Should you need… · Were she to… · Had I known…
Building on B2
More precise conditions, and a formal word order
At B2 you used if, unless, as long as and even if, and the third and mixed conditionals. C1 adds linkers that make the condition precise, and the inverted conditionals of formal English.
in case — not if
A precaution, not a condition
Take an umbrella in case it rains.
Take it now, because it might rain.
Take an umbrella if it rains.
Take it only when it rains.
No will after in case: in case it rains (not in case it will rain).
provided · on condition that · supposing
Strict and imagined conditions
provided / providing (that)
You can borrow it provided that you return it by Friday.
on condition that
They agreed on condition that their names were kept secret.
supposing / suppose
Supposing you lost your job, what would you do?
what if
What if nobody comes?
Inverted conditionals
Formal: drop if, move the auxiliary
Should (type 1)
Should you need help, call this number. = If you need …
Were … to (type 2)
Were she to apply, she would get the job. = If she applied …
Had (type 3)
Had I known, I would have helped. = If I had known …
Negative: Had I not known (not Hadn't I known).
Were it not for · Had it not been for
Saying what makes the difference
Were it not for the rain, we'd go out.
= If it weren't for …
Had it not been for her help, I'd have failed.
= If it hadn't been for …
Common mistakes
Where learners go wrong most often
Take a jumper in case it will be cold.
→
Take a jumper in case it is cold.
in case + present
Hadn't I seen it, I wouldn't believe it.
→
Had I not seen it, I wouldn't have believed it.
inverted negative → had I not
Should you will need anything, ask.
→
Should you need anything, ask.
should + infinitive
Supposing you would win, what would you buy?
→
Supposing you won, what would you buy?
supposing + past for imagined
Your turn
Answer out loud — full sentences
Use the C1 linkers and inversion.
1
What do you always take with you in case something happens?
2
Supposing you could live anywhere, where would it be?
3
Write a formal notice beginning Should you…
4
Had it not been for a person in your life, what would be different?