Restrictive Conditions with 除非...才
Use 除非...才 to say that an outcome is possible only under a specific condition.
Pattern
除非 + required condition, 才 + possible result
Make the result depend on one necessary condition.
除非你提前申请，才有可能参加。
When to use Restrictive Conditions with 除非...才
除非 names the condition that must happen first. 才 marks that the result becomes possible only after that condition is met.
除非大家同意，这个计划才会开始。
Only if everyone agrees will this plan begin.
除非条件成熟，我们才考虑扩大。
Only when conditions are mature will we consider expanding.
除非你解释清楚，他才会相信。
Only if you explain clearly will he believe it.
除非问题解决，会议才会结束。
Only when the problem is solved will the meeting end.
Common traps
- 除非...才 is not a normal if-then; it means other conditions are not enough.
- 才 belongs before the result verb phrase.
- Do not pair 除非 with 就 unless the meaning is a looser conditional.
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