Logic conjunctions 1

Conditional sentences and other sentences indication consequence

• indicate a relationship of logic between the information in two clauses (if, even if, unless, so, so that, because, as, as long as, provided that, in case)
• can indicate a contrast or conflict in the information in the two clauses (though, although, even if, in spite of, despite)

if (clauses can come in either order)

• shows a condition and a consequence

If you'd like to, we could go for a picnic.

You would probably get a distinction if you worked harder.

even if (clauses can come in either order)

• indicates the information in the main clause is unexpected

Even if I disagreed with him I would still pretend I did (= main clause).

Stephen is willing to work as a joiner (= main clause) even if he's not paid to.

unless (clauses come in either order) means if not

I'll presume you can come unless you ring me.(= if you do not ring me)

Unless she goes into hospital soon it'll be too late (= if she does not go.....)

so (only comes at the beginning of the second clause)

• shows the second clause is the consequence of the first

There was a storm so we cancelled the barbecue.

so that

• shows something makes something else possible

The bridge was built so that people didn't have to catch a ferry any more.

as and because (clauses can come in either order)

• explain something is the cause of something else

We decided to stop for the night as it was getting dark.or As it was getting dark, we decided to stop for the night.

The Hazelwoods go to Scotland because they have a caravan there. or Because they have a caravan there, the Hazelwoods go to Scotland.

Note: so is not used in the same sentence as because

 

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