Grammar:Even if, only if

[2020.05.20] 發表
(明報製圖)

【明報專訊】Eason is eyeing a pair of limited edition sneakers. Will he be able to get them?

Bill: Wow! Eason, I never knew you have a fashionable side! These sneakers look really different from what you usually wear!

Eason: It would be a waste if you wore them like your usual PE lesson trainers! They are a limited edition of the same design. (1) Even if you are rich you might not be able to buy them! I am going to resell them on auction sites for a much higher price!

Bill: But how are you going to get them? People say that you have a chance to get them (2) only if you queue up in front of the stores hours before they open.

Eason: I have already placed life-size photos of me in front of the stores! That will do the trick!

Bill: (3) Well, only if they can move along the queue!

● if

We know the word ''if'' can be used to express a condition for something to be true. There are other uses of ''if''.

● even if

We use ''even if'' to talk about something can/ cannot be done regardless of an opposing reason.

e.g. Even if you apologise, she may not forgive you.

e.g. Even if we lose, it will still be an exciting game.

● only if

We use ''only if'' when the condition is a must.

e.g. You can get into the final only if you become the top 10 in the first round of the competition.

■Gear up

Choose the correct answer.

(1) I still feel tired ( even if / only if ) I have slept for eight hours.

(2) You can succeed ( even if / only if ) you start trying.

(3) ( Even if / Only if ) you are nervous, you should speak aloud on the stage.

(4) I will agree to help her ( even if / only if ) she asks politely.

(Answers on next text)

■Glossary

eye (v) (感興趣地)留意

limited edition (n phr) 限量版

auction (n) 拍賣

condition (n) 條件

[Smarties' Power English 第280期]

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