Logic conjunctions 2
If, even if, unless, so, so that, because, as, as long as, provided that and in case
- indicate a relationship of logic between the information in two clauses
Though, although, even if, in spite of and despite
- can indicate a contrast or conflict in the information in the two clauses
We use if when referring to a condition and a consequence. If clauses can come in either order
- If you’d like to, we could go for a picnic.
- We could go for a picnic if you’d like to.
Even if indicates that information in the even if clause is unexpected. Even if clauses can come in either order
- 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 (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. So 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: As and because 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