Business English C1 · Lesson 4B

Grammar Bank

The rules behind this lesson — form, use, model sentences and the mistakes to avoid.

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Grammar focus of this lesson

advanced conditionals (unless / provided that / were it not for)

1 structure

Advanced conditionals (unless / provided that / were it not for)
Formal and negotiation-grade conditional language.
I've got this
Rules & form
- ›provided (that) / providing / on condition that = strictly only if.
- ›unless = except if; not used for hypothetical wishes.
- ›were it not for / but for + noun = without this factor.
- ›should + subject + verb = a remote future possibility.
Examples
- “We'll extend the terms provided that volumes hold.”
- “But for the currency swing, the quarter was solid.”
- “Should any dispute arise, the contract governs.”
Watch out · In formal writing, prefer were it not for to if it wasn't for.
Your own example