The injury needed to be treated immediately. If not, infection could set in.
The British authorities could not help, even if they wanted to.
STUDY NOTE: Grammar
When using if to talk about the future, you normally use the simple present tense.
For example, don't say
unless conjunction if something does not happen, or if someone does not do something:
Unless something is done quickly, developing countries will fall even further behind Western countries.
The star is really difficult to see unless the sky is dark and very clear.
The doctors said they could not treat the boy unless and until his parents gave their permission.
whether or not used when saying that it does not matter if something happens or not, or if something is true or not:
Research showed that six out of 10 patients got better on their own, whether or not they received treatment.
Whether or not you agree with what she is saying, her articles are always interesting and thought-provoking.
otherwise adverb used when saying that there will be a bad result if someone does not do something, or if something does not happen:
The committee needs to act quickly, otherwise there could be a serious problem.
The local people are certainly glad that the tourists are there. Otherwise there would be no money and no jobs.
in case in order to deal with something that might happen:
Doctors have to take out insurance to protect themselves in case they are sued.
It is best to keep a medical kit ready in case of emergency.
She did not think it would rain, but she took her umbrella just in case.
assuming that if what you think will happen is true:
Assuming that the present trend continues, the world population is likely to rise to over 8 billion.
This sort of floor covering can be laid directly onto concrete floors, assuming that they are level.
as long as / provided that conjunction only if something else happens or is true:
Vegetarian diets are perfectly healthy, provided that you take care to get enough iron, calcium and B vitamins.
As long as the economy continues to grow, people will continue to support the government.
on condition that used when you agree to do something only if someone first agrees to do something else:
He was offered the job on condition that he went on a month-long training course.
The painting was sold on condition that it never left France.
in the event of / that if something happens, especially a serious situation such as an accident, a fire, or a war:
Guidelines have been isued to local authorities on what to do in the event of a nuclear accident.
In the event of an earthquake, people are advised to take cover under desks or doorways.
In the event that the party lost the election, his future as party leader would be in doubt.
5. Words meaning 'in order to'
in order to for the purpose of doing something:
Some people steal in order to buy drugs.
In order to prove his theory, he carried out a series of experiments.
Plants need light in order to survive.
The speech was changed in order not to offend anyone.
STUDY NOTE: Grammar
in order to is used especially in formal contexts. In all other contexts people often just write to, for example: The organization was set up originally to protect the rights of children.
To make sure that the job was done properly, Mr Lobov appointed three new deputy ministers.
so (that) conjunction used when saying why someone does something or what the result of something is:
Workers need to learn new skills so that they can keep up with the latest advances in technology.
Doctors use miniature cameras so that they can see inside the patients' stomachs.
The windows are designed so that you can see out, but other people cannot see in.
for preposition for a particular reason or purpose:
She went into hospital for a checkup.
Some people give up eating meat for health reasons, while others give up because they are concerned about animal welfare.
The land is used for agricultural purposes.
with the aim of doing something in order to try and achieve something:
The dam was built with the aim of providing drinking water to thousands of people.
Talks were held in Paris with the aim of helping the two sides reach an agreement.
with a view to doing something because you are planning to do something later in the future, and this will help you to do it:
They wanted to establish closer links with Germany, with a view to becoming members of the European Union.
Rice and potatoes were genetically modified, with a view to commercial planting. 6. Words meaning 'or'
or conjunction used between two possibilities or choices, or before the last one in a list of possibilities or choices:
It is important not to get the chemicals on your hands or your clothes.
Payment can be made by cash, cheque or credit card.
There is very little difference between the two species of bird, either in size or colour.
alternatively adverb used when giving another choice apart from the one you have already mentioned:
You can go up into the mountains. Alternatively, you can stroll around one of Switzerland's delightful cities where the old mixes with the new.
For a master's degree, 12 months' full-time study is normally required, or alternatively 24 months of part-time study.
on the one hand ... on the other (hand) used when giving two very different ideas or opinions about something, especially when they need to be balanced against each other:
On the one hand, the internet gives students access to information on every imaginable topic. On the other, there is a lot of material on the internet that is very unsuitable for students.
On the one hand, it is important not to limit individual freedom too much, but on the other hand, people have the right to be able to live their lives in peace.
STUDY NOTE: Grammar
Don't say
7. Words meaning 'therefore'
therefore adverb used when saying that something happens or someone does something as a result of something else: