7. Procedures: Condition

7.1. Subordinate Conjunctions of Condition

Used to introduce a requirement, restriction, or circumstance that must be met for the main action to apply. Common in procedural and scientific writing to specify when an action is valid, necessary, or to be avoided.

Conjunctions

Conjunction	Function	Register
As long as	Indicates a condition that must be continuously maintained	Everyday
If	Standard conditional requirement	Everyday
In the event that	Specifies a particular circumstance, often a contingency or emergency action	Formal
On condition that	Sets an explicit, often negotiated or agreed requirement	Formal
Only if	Sets a strict, non-negotiable requirement	Everyday / Neutral
Providing / Provided that	Sets a specific requirement for proceeding; provided that is slightly more formal	Neutral / Formal
Should	Formal conditional used in instructions for potential or hypothetical conditions	Formal
Unless	Stipulates an exception — the action applies in all cases except the stated condition	Everyday
Whenever	Indicates the action applies each time a condition occurs (frequency-based).	Everyday
Whether (or not)	Introduces a choice between two conditions; the action applies regardless	Neutral

Examples

Biology: Continue the incubation as long as the temperature remains within the optimal range of 36 to 38 °C.
Biology: Increase the light intensity if the specimen appears too dark under high power.
Physics: Check the circuit connections if the ammeter reading remains at zero.
Chemistry: Evacuate the laboratory in the event that the fume cupboard alarm is triggered.
Earth Science: Proceed with the core extraction on condition that the drill pressure remains below the manufacturer’s safety threshold.
Earth Science: Use the seismic sensor only if the ground surface is completely level.
Earth Science: Sketch the rock sample in detail provided that the mineral grains are visible under the hand lens.
Chemistry: Dilute the solution further should the concentration exceed the titration limit.
Chemistry: Discard the waste in the designated organic bin unless the instructions state it is safe for the sink.
Physics: Repeat the trial whenever the recorded data shows a significant anomaly.
Chemistry: Record the pH value whether or not the colour change is visible to the naked eye.

Fill in the Gaps — Conjunctions of Condition

Fill in the gaps with the most appropriate conjunction:

Word list (A → Z): as long as • in the event that • only if

Chemistry: Light the Bunsen burner __________ the gas tap is fully open — a partial opening will produce an unsafe flame.
Physics: Switch off the power pack immediately __________ the wires have become hot.
Earth Science: Keep stirring the mixture __________ the powder remains visible at the bottom of the beaker.

Exercise — Conjunctions of Condition: Multiple Choice

Choose the most appropriate conjunction to complete each sentence.

Q1

1. Biology: Begin the dissection __________ your teacher has handed out the safety instructions and checked your workstation.

a. if

b. provided that

c. unless

d. whether or not

Q2

2. Chemistry: Label your test tube with your name and the substance inside __________ you plan to use it straight away or leave it until the next lesson.

a. if

b. provided that

c. unless

d. whether or not

Q3

3. Physics: Switch on the fan __________ the temperature of the resistor rises above 40 °C during the investigation.

a. if

b. provided that

c. unless

d. whether or not

Q4

4. Earth Science: Do not collect the rock sample __________ you are wearing protective gloves and safety goggles.

a. if

b. provided that

c. unless

d. whether or not