Cambridge Grammar of English Hardback with cd-rom a comprehensive Guide

OTHER CONDITIONAL EXPRESSIONS

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The other subordinating conjunctions listed here operate in a similar way to if: the

conditional clause typically contains a non-modal verb in the present or the past

tense, while modal verbs usually occur in the main clause.

Providing, provided that 

Providing

is more frequent in spoken language; provided that is more frequent in

writing. Both may be used for real and unreal conditions:

A: But presumably you’ve got some sort of senior citizen’s fare?

B: Yes, providing you’ve got a railcard.

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