Otherwise · but for · given the chance · If you will keep… · if you happen to · if so, if anything
Building on C1
Conditions hidden in other words
By C1 you know every conditional type, the linkers and the inverted forms. C2 expresses conditions without if, and uses if with will, would and should in ways that break the "rules".
Implied conditions
otherwise · or else · without · but for · with
Leave now; otherwise you'll miss it.
= if you don't leave
Without your help, we'd never have finished.
= if you hadn't helped
But for the rain, the match would have been a classic.
= if it hadn't been for
With a bit more luck, we'd have won.
Given · Assuming · Given the chance
Conditions in a phrase
Given the chance, I'd live by the sea.
= if I were given the chance
Assuming the train is on time, we'll arrive at six.
Given that it's Sunday, the shops may be closed.
given that = because, considering
if + will / would
Insistence and politeness — not the future
If you will keep shouting, no one will listen.
will = insist on doing it (criticism)
If you would follow me, please.
would = polite request
If it will help, I'll stay late.
will = if it is the result (help comes after staying)
happen to · if so · if anything
Chance and short forms
If you happen to see Ana, say hello.
by chance
Is it urgent? If so, call me. If not, email.
It wasn't worse — if anything, it was better.
He rarely, if ever, complains.
Common mistakes
Where learners go wrong most often
Hurry up, otherwise you miss the bus.
→
Hurry up, otherwise you'll miss the bus.
otherwise + result clause
But for your help, I would fail yesterday.
→
But for your help, I would have failed yesterday.
past → would have + PP
If you will come tomorrow, I'll be happy.
→
If you come tomorrow, I'll be happy.
plain future condition → present
If you happen see her, tell her.
→
If you happen to see her, tell her.
happen to + infinitive
Your turn
Answer out loud — full sentences
Express conditions without if.
1
Given the chance, what would you change about your town?
2
Who helped you most? Start: Without…
3
Criticise a bad habit: If you will…, …
4
Answer: Is English harder than you expected? If anything, …