English grammar
On condition that / only if + present simple; inversion after only if
Lay down a strict condition, formally and with emphasis.
From the scene On condition that…
In short
Only if + present sets a strict condition. Starting with it inverts the next part: only if it works will we go.
Your turn
Which one goes with a single, exclusive condition?
Options: I invest on condition that my coffee is free · only if the café works will we go to Benidorm · only if the window table is mine alone
Show answer
a single, exclusive condition → only if the window table is mine alone
How it works
On condition that (formal) and only if both attach a strict condition to an offer: I invest on condition that my coffee is free.
Good to know
Only if can also start the sentence for emphasis, and then the main clause inverts like a question: only if the café works will we go to Benidorm (not we will go).
a strict, formal condition I invest on condition that my coffee is free
Ramón
I invest on condition that my coffee is free. For life.
Invierto con la condición de que el café me salga gratis. De por vida.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank). For life.
Options: Only if the window table is mine alone · Only if the café works will we go to Benidorm · I invest on condition that my coffee is free
Show answer
Ramón
I invest on condition that my coffee is free. For life.
Invierto con la condición de que el café me salga gratis. De por vida.
a single, exclusive condition only if the window table is mine alone
Ramón
And I invest only if the window table is mine alone.
E invierto únicamente si la mesa de la ventana es solo mía.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
And I invest (blank).
Options: only if the window table is mine alone · I invest on condition that my coffee is free · only if the café works will we go to Benidorm
Show answer
Ramón
And I invest only if the window table is mine alone.
E invierto únicamente si la mesa de la ventana es solo mía.
fronting only if triggers inversion in the main clause only if the café works will we go to Benidorm
Ramón
Only if the café works will we go to Benidorm, Elena.
Iremos a Benidorm, Elena, solo si el café funciona.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank), Elena.
Options: I invest on condition that my coffee is free · Only if the window table is mine alone · Only if the café works will we go to Benidorm
Show answer
Ramón
Only if the café works will we go to Benidorm, Elena.
Iremos a Benidorm, Elena, solo si el café funciona.
prepared to do something I'm willing to invest
Your turn
What goes with I'm willing to invest?
Options: a single, exclusive condition · prepared to do something · a strict, formal condition
Show answer
I'm willing to invest → prepared to do something
a counter-condition of your own on condition that I taste the cakes
Elena
Well, I'm investing too, on condition that I taste the cakes.
Pues yo también invierto, con la condición de que yo pruebe los pasteles.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Well, I'm investing too, (blank).
Options: I invest on condition that my coffee is free · only if the window table is mine alone · on condition that I taste the cakes
Show answer
Elena
Well, I'm investing too, on condition that I taste the cakes.
Pues yo también invierto, con la condición de que yo pruebe los pasteles.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| a strict, formal condition | I invest on condition that my coffee is free |
|---|---|
| a single, exclusive condition | only if the window table is mine alone |
| fronting only if triggers inversion in the main clause | only if the café works will we go to Benidorm |
| prepared to do something | I'm willing to invest |
| a counter-condition of your own | on condition that I taste the cakes |
More lines from the story
- ElenaI haven't said a thing. ...Hardly a thing.Yo no he dicho nada. ...Casi nada.
- ElenaAnd the film money? Weren't you going to take me to Benidorm?¿Y el dinero de la película? ¿No me iba a llevar a Benidorm?