English grammar
Unless and provided (that) + present simple (and as long as)
Set conditions with as long as, provided (that) and unless + present simple.
From the scene As long as I don't have to kiss anyone
In short
Unless means except if; provided (that) and as long as mean only if. All take the present, not will.
Your turn
Which one goes with only if (a bit formal)?
Options: provided that they pay me well · as long as I don't have to kiss anyone · unless they pay me double
Show answer
only if (a bit formal) → provided that they pay me well
How it works
Unless means except if: I won't do it unless they pay me double.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
Relax, Ramón. Unless you (blank)...
Options: will insist · insists · insist
Show answer
Relax, Ramón. Unless you insist...
Tranquilo, Ramón. A no ser que usted insista...
Good to know
Provided (that) is a slightly formal as long as: only if this happens.
Good to know
After all three, use the present simple, not will — even though you're talking about the future.
only if (you know this one) as long as I don't have to kiss anyone
Ramón
Maybe... as long as I don't have to kiss anyone.
Puede ser... siempre que no tenga que besar a nadie.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Maybe... (blank).
Options: as long as I don't have to kiss anyone · provided that they pay me well · unless they pay me double
Show answer
Ramón
Maybe... as long as I don't have to kiss anyone.
Puede ser... siempre que no tenga que besar a nadie.
only if (a bit formal) provided that they pay me well
Ramón
And I'll do it provided that they pay me well.
Y lo haré con tal de que me paguen bien.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
And I'll do it (blank).
Options: as long as I don't have to kiss anyone · unless they pay me double · provided that they pay me well
Show answer
Ramón
And I'll do it provided that they pay me well.
Y lo haré con tal de que me paguen bien.
except if unless they pay me double
Ramón
Then I won't do it, unless they pay me double.
Pues no lo haré, a no ser que me paguen el doble.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Then I won't do it, (blank).
Options: as long as I don't have to kiss anyone · provided that they pay me well · unless they pay me double
Show answer
Ramón
Then I won't do it, unless they pay me double.
Pues no lo haré, a no ser que me paguen el doble.
present simple, not will as long as there are no kisses
Ramón
Well, I'll try, as long as there are no kisses.
Bueno, lo intentaré, siempre que no haya besos.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Well, I'll try, (blank).
Options: provided that they pay me well · as long as there are no kisses · as long as I don't have to kiss anyone
Show answer
Ramón
Well, I'll try, as long as there are no kisses.
Bueno, lo intentaré, siempre que no haya besos.
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
| only if (you know this one) | as long as I don't have to kiss anyone |
|---|---|
| only if (a bit formal) | provided that they pay me well |
| except if | unless they pay me double |
| present simple, not will | as long as there are no kisses |
More lines from the story
- ElenaRelax, Ramón. Unless you insist...Tranquilo, Ramón. A no ser que usted insista...
- ElenaRamón, as long as you're yourself, you'll do very well.Ramón, siempre que sea usted mismo, lo hará muy bien.