Lesson Transcript

Let's look at the sentence pattern.
Do you remember the focus sentence from the dialogue?
Unless you can offer a satisfactory solution, we will be forced to find a new supplier.
This sentence follows the pattern here.
This pattern is the structure that all of our examples will follow.
Unless/Once + condition + consequence
This sentence pattern — “Unless/Once + condition + consequence” — is used to talk about cause-and-effect situations. It shows what will happen as a result of a specific condition. This structure is useful in business communication when explaining requirements, deadlines, or outcomes clearly and firmly.
Let’s go part by part.
The sentence begins with “Unless” or “Once.” These words signal that a condition is being introduced.
“Unless” sets up a negative condition — it means that something will happen only if the condition is not met.
“Once” sets up a positive condition — it means that something will happen as soon as the condition is met.
Next is the condition — this tells us what needs to happen (or not happen).
Finally, the consequence explains the result — what action will be taken if the condition is (or isn’t) fulfilled.
Now let’s look at the example sentence:
“Unless you can offer a satisfactory solution, we will be forced to find a new supplier.”
The word “Unless” introduces a negative condition — the speaker is saying that if the solution is not satisfactory, a consequence will follow.
The condition is “you can offer a satisfactory solution.”
The consequence is “we will be forced to find a new supplier.” This shows what action the speaker will take if the condition is not met.
The sentence pattern can also be rearranged to provide a slightly different tone.
This sentence pattern — “Consequence, + provided that + condition” — is used to express a result that will happen only if a specific requirement is met. It’s common in formal or professional English, especially in business settings where clear conditions need to be stated.
Let’s go part by part.
The sentence begins with the consequence — this is the action or result that will take place.
Then we use “provided that” to introduce the condition. This phrase means the same as “if,” but it sounds more formal and emphasizes that the condition is necessary for the consequence to happen.
Now let’s look at the example sentence:
“We can give you a refund, provided that you send us the broken items first.”
The consequence is “We can give you a refund.” This tells the listener what the company is willing to do.
“Provided that” introduces the condition that must be met.
The condition is “you send us the broken items first.” Without this, the consequence will not occur.
Now let's look at some speaking examples.
You should be able to get a job, provided that you have the right qualifications.
Can you see how the pattern applies here?
This sentence uses “provided that” to introduce the condition: “you have the right qualifications.” The consequence is “You should be able to get a job.” This fits the overall structure: condition + consequence, where the outcome depends on the condition being met.
Next…
Once you’ve returned the broken items, we will be able to send you the new ones.
Here, the condition is “Once you’ve returned the broken items.” The consequence is “we will be able to send you the new ones.” “Once” signals that the second action will only happen after the first one is completed.
Let’s try one more,
Unless you submit the report by Friday, the project will be delayed.
The condition is “Unless you submit the report by Friday.” The consequence is “the project will be delayed.” “Unless” shows a negative condition—the delay will happen if the report is not submitted in time.
Another one.
We’ll approve your proposal, provided that you make the requested changes.
Here, the condition is “provided that you make the requested changes.” The consequence is “We’ll approve your proposal.” Like the first example, “provided that” sets up a requirement that must be met for the result to occur.

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