If is the general word for a condition, but English has stronger options. As long as, provided that and on condition that all say the same thing: the main action happens only when the condition is met.
These expressions are useful in negotiations, rules and promises: "You can borrow the car as long as you drive carefully", "We will pay provided that the work is finished on time".
This page explains each expression, the rule that no will follows them, and the difference from if and unless. The 20-question drill checks every pattern with an explanation.
The rule
As long as: the everyday strong condition
- As long as means only if, and it is the most common of the three in speech.
- "You can come as long as you are quiet." The permission holds only when the condition holds.
- So long as is a slightly less common variant with the same meaning.
- The clause after as long as uses the present simple for future meaning.
Provided that: conditions in rules and deals
- Provided that means on the condition that, and it sounds formal.
- "We will sign the contract provided that the price stays the same."
- Providing that is a variant used in the same way.
- The that is often left out in speech: "provided the price stays the same".
On condition that: the formal legal choice
- On condition that is the most formal of the three and appears in laws, contracts and news reports.
- "He was released on condition that he stayed in the city."
- The same meaning can appear as on one condition.
- The clause still takes the present simple for the future, even in a past sentence with tense changes.
No will after the condition
- After if, unless, as long as, provided that and on condition that, use the present simple for a future event.
- Write "provided that she calls", not "provided that she will call".
- Will belongs in the main clause: "We will start provided that she calls."
- Won't and other future forms follow the same rule inside the condition.
How strong is the condition?
- If is neutral: the condition may or may not be met.
- As long as and provided that suggest the speaker demands the condition: the action depends on it.
- Unless means if not, and it reverses the condition: "We will not start unless she calls."
- Only if is the strongest and often moves to the front for emphasis: "Only if she calls will we start."
Examples
- You can stay up late as long as you finish your homework.Permission depends on the homework.
- We will go to the beach as long as it does not rain.The present simple follows the condition.
- The bank will lend the money provided that you have a job.Provided that is formal and means only if.
- She will help us provided she has time.The that can be dropped.
- He agreed to speak on condition that nobody recorded him.On condition that is the formal legal choice.
- You may borrow my bike on condition that you bring it back tonight.The condition is firm and stated clearly.
- I will cook unless you prefer to order food.Unless means if not.
- We will not leave unless the rain stops.The condition is negative in meaning.
- As long as you are happy, I am happy.As long as can also express a personal condition.
- Provided that the weather is good, we will have the party outside.The condition clause can come first.
Common mistakes
- Wrong: You can go out as long as you will finish your homework. Right: You can go out as long as you finish your homework.
- Condition clauses take the present simple for future meaning, not will.
- Wrong: We will pay provided that the work will be finished. Right: We will pay provided that the work is finished.
- Provided that follows the same no-will rule as if.
- Wrong: She will come providing that she will not be late. Right: She will come providing that she is not late.
- Use the present simple inside the condition, even with a negative.
- Wrong: The offer is valid as long as you will sign today. Right: The offer is valid as long as you sign today.
- Will does not go after as long as; the present simple carries the future idea.
- Wrong: He was released on condition that he will stay in the city. Right: He was released on condition that he stayed in the city.
- A past report shifts the condition clause to the past; will is not used.
Practice drill
Answer all 20 questions. Each answer is marked at once, and the rule is explained under the question.
You can borrow my laptop ___ you bring it back tomorrow.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. as long as As long as sets the firm condition for the permission.
We will start the meeting ___ everyone arrives.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. provided that Provided that introduces the condition for starting.
She will sign the contract ___ the terms stay the same.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. provided that Provided that is the formal condition in an agreement.
He was freed ___ he reported to the police every week.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. on condition that On condition that is the formal legal pattern.
You will pass the exam ___ you revise.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. as long as As long as gives the condition that must hold.
We will not go out ___ the rain stops.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. unless Unless means if not, so the going depends on the rain stopping.
I will cook ___ you prefer to order a pizza.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. unless Unless reverses the condition: I cook if you do not order.
The hotel accepts pets ___ they are small.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. as long as As long as states the condition for accepting the pets.
You may leave early ___ you finish your work first.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. provided that Provided that introduces the condition for leaving early.
The loan is approved ___ you pay it back within a year.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. on condition that On condition that is the formal condition in a loan agreement.
___ the weather is good, we will have a picnic.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. Provided that Provided that introduces the condition before the main clause.
You can use my car ___ you drive carefully.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. so long as So long as is a variant of as long as with the same condition meaning.
She will help you ___ you ask her politely.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. provided Provided means on condition that and introduces the condition.
We will go to the park ___ it does not rain.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. as long as As long as holds the plan to the dry weather condition.
He agreed to the interview ___ his family was not mentioned.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. on condition that On condition that suits the formal agreement about the interview.
The shop will replace the phone ___ you have the receipt.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. provided that Provided that sets the condition for the replacement.
I will wait here ___ you come back.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. as long as As long as makes the waiting depend on the return.
You can join the club ___ you pay the fee.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. on condition that On condition that states the formal requirement for joining.
We will finish the project ___ everyone does their part.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. provided that Provided that introduces the condition for finishing.
The dog stays outside ___ it is cold.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. unless Unless means if not, so the dog goes out when it is not cold.
Questions learners ask
Are as long as and if the same?
They are close, but as long as is stronger. If states a condition without emphasising it: "If you are quiet, you can come." As long as says the condition is essential: "You can come as long as you are quiet." As long as is common in permissions and agreements, while if is neutral everywhere.
What does provided that mean?
Provided that means on the condition that, and it usually appears in rules, offers and contracts: "We will accept the offer provided that the delivery is free." Providing that is an accepted variant. Both take the present simple for a future condition and can drop that in speech.
How do as long as and unless differ?
As long as states the condition that must be true: "We will go as long as it is dry." Unless states the condition that must be false: "We will go unless it rains." The two often describe the same plan from opposite sides, but only unless carries the meaning of if not.
More grammar topics
Say vs tell
The object rule: say takes the words, tell takes the person, plus the fixed phrases that ignore the pattern.
If vs whether
Both words introduce reported yes or no questions, but whether is required after prepositions and before to-infinitives.
Articles with school, hospital and bed
No article when the place is used for its normal purpose; a or the when it is just a building or a specific one.
Take the free A1 to C2 level test to find your starting point.