Rules of Conjunctions: Until, Unless, If, Whether, and That

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, grammatical functions, and exam rules of conjunctions such as until, unless, if, whether, that, and provided.

Until

A word denoting time that can function as both a conjunction and a preposition.

Unless

A conjunction denoting condition that is inherently negative (equivalent to 'if + not') and never functions as a preposition.

Clause

A grammatical unit of a sentence formed by the combination of a subject and a verb.

If (as a condition)

A conjunction expressing a condition, within whose clause the future auxiliary verb 'will' cannot be used.

If (as a doubt)

A conjunction expressing uncertainty or doubt, within whose clause the auxiliary verb 'will' is permitted.

Whether

A conjunction used to express doubt or uncertainty, which specifically pairs with 'or' or 'or not'.

That (Conjunction)

A conjunction used to indicate surety or certainty rather than doubt.

Provided

A conjunction meaning 'on the condition that' (basharte) that expresses a condition similarly to 'if'.

Few / Little (with doubt)

Terms signifying practically none ('na ke barabar'), indicating certainty that requires the conjunction 'that'.

A few / A little (with doubt)

Terms signifying at least some ('thode bahut'), indicating doubt or uncertainty that requires the conjunction 'whether'.

Sentence polarity of 'If'

A structural pattern where both parts of the sentence are typically positive together or both parts are negative together.

Sentence polarity of 'Unless'

A structural pattern where one part of the sentence is positive and the other part is negative.