| Element | FORM/USE: SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS, CONDITIONS |
|---|---|
| SuperCat | CLAUSES |
| SubCat | conditional |
| Lexical Range | N/A |
| Level | B2 |
| Cando | Can use conditional subordinate clauses with a range of conjunctions ('as long as', 'provided') + present simple or present continuous, with future reference. |
| Corrected Learner Example | As long as it involves children I'd be delighted to work for you during the summer. (Denmark; B2 VANTAGE; 1998; Danish; Pass) If you're really eager to learn age doesn't really matter as long as you're willing to learn. (B2 VANTAGE; 2009; Tagalog; Pass) My client will most certainly ask for compensation covering all losses incurred, unless you manage to find out where the goods are. (Germany; B2 VANTAGE; 2008; German; Pass) Finally, I am pleased to inform you that we would like to offer a 10% discount provided you reserve office space for eighteen months. (China; B2 VANTAGE; 2002; Chinese; Fail) Providing we implement the suggested actions I believe we can increase sales within the next six months, overcoming the current situation caused by the international situation. (Portugal; B2 VANTAGE; 2009; Portuguese; Fail) I would suggest that you might bring a city map in case you lose your way. (Japan; B2 VANTAGE; 1993; Japanese; Pass) |
| Uncorrected Learner Example | |
| Comments | While 'unless' is a B1 lexical item in the EVP and taught at B1, its conditional use is not established until B2. Note also that unless is very error prone at B1. Note on punctuation: many grammar books stress that when the if clause precedes the main clause, it must use a comma. We cannot establish a consistent competency for this (and punctuation in general). It seems too idiosyncratic. L1 can be a skewing factor. |
