Hypothetical Complex Phrases - ……、要不然、不然……
假设复句 — ……、要不然、不然……
The hypothetical phrases (假设复句) consider a situation: 要是…就… / 假如…的话… / 万一…就…
Elements
……要不然不然……
How to use it
- For 要不然, take a model phrase like 快走吧，要不然就来不及了。 (Hurry up, or we won't make it in time) and replace only the variable information.
- For 不然, take a model phrase like 快走吧，要不然就来不及了。 (Hurry up, or we won't make it in time) and replace only the variable information.
- After substitution, verify that 了 / 不 / 没 / 吗 remain coherent with the meaning and time of the sentence.
- Context: especially in explanation and argumentation and oral interaction and instructions.
Examples
快走吧，要不然就来不及了。
Kuài zǒu ba, yàobùrán jiù láibùjí le.
Hurry up, or we won't make it in time.
你先吃饭吧，要不然菜就凉了。
Nǐ xiān chīfàn ba, yàobùrán cài jiù liáng le.
Eat first, or the dishes will cool down.
快走，不然迟到
kuài zǒu, bùrán chídào
Hurry up, or you'll be late.
Common mistakes
- Check the order of elements before speaking or writing.
- Use a complete phrase to validate the structure in a real context.
Practice quiz
Choose the best option for each sentence, then submit to view the correction.
1. 快走吧，____就来不及了。
(Hurry up, or we won't make it in time.)
2. 你先吃饭吧，____菜就凉了。
(Eat first, or the dishes will cool down.)
3. 快走，____迟到
(Hurry up, or you'll be late.)