Conditional sentence

Question

Hi.It might not rain tomorrow.In this case I'll go to the beach.1) I will go to the beach If it doesn't rain tomorrow.2) I will go to the beach in case it doesn't rain tomorrow.3I will go to the beach in the event that it doesn't rain tomorrow.I will go to the beach provided that it doesn't rain tomorrow.I will go to the beach unless it rains tomorrow.Are all the above sentences correct and natural? If so, which one is closest in meaning to the original sentences.

Davyddiniz · Accepted Answer

Hey!

In my non-native opinion, I think all alternatives have similiar, if not equal, meanings, except for: I will go to the beach provided that it doesn't rain tomorrow.

That one is the lest natural and its meaning seems not to match with the original example.

Anyhow, the closest sentence to the original's meaning is, in my opinion: I will go to the beach If it doesn't rain tomorrow. And I will go to the beach unless it rains tomorrow.

However, I really think you should wait for a native to answer you it. See ya.

CalifJim · Answer

Persian LearnerIt might not rain tomorrow. In this case I'll go to the beach.

What you have is OK, but it would be more natural and precise to say "If it doesn't, I'll go to the beach".

Persian LearnerAre all the above sentences correct and natural?

"I will" always sounds unnatural in ordinary conversation when a verb follows. Use "I'll". The second one doesn't work at all. The others are fine.

1) I'll go to the beach if it doesn't rain tomorrow.
2) I'll go to the beach in case it doesn't rain tomorrow.
3) I'll go to the beach in the event that it doesn't rain tomorrow.
4) I'll go to the beach provided that it doesn't rain tomorrow.
5) I'll go to the beach unless it rains tomorrow.

What happened with your numbering system? Did you run out of steam?

Persian Learnerwhich one is closest in meaning to the original sentences?

It's a toss-up. For simplicity, I'd choose 1.
_______

With regard to 2): 'in case' requires a special semantic relationship between clauses. Stated abstractly, the action in the main clause is done to prevent some unfortunate possibility mentioned in the in-case-clause. Examples should make that more clear:

I'll take an umbrella in case it rains.
You should always keep some change with you when you drive downtown in case you need it for a parking meter.
Some people unplug all their electrical appliances during a thunderstorm in case lightning strikes their home and creates a surge in the circuits.

In reference to sentence 2), you would not go to the beach to guard against the unfortunate possibility that it won't rain tomorrow. That's why 2) doesn't work.

CJ

Conditional sentence

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