Time

The consequent follows logically, but not necessarily in time.

Example: If the Captain was drunk, then he had been drinking.

Note that the antecedent does logically imply the consequent, even though the given consequent, “he had been drinking,” took place earlier in time.

More on Translating into Standard Form: ONLY IF

The term “only if” actually is a consequent indicator, as in:

I’ll be there only if I can get free.
Translated: If I’m there, then I’ll have gotten free.

When translating "only if" statements, remember the following steps:

We'll use this example: I'm going to jail only if I break the law.

Step 1. Remove the "only if" and replace it with "then."

I'm going to jail only if I break the law. (Remove "only if")
I'm going to jail, then I break the law. (Add "then." Don't forget the comma.)

Step 2. Put an "If" at the beginning of the sentence.

If I'm going to jail, then I break the law. (Add "If")

You're done. Notice that we did not change the order of the clauses.

Practice Exercise Two

Lesson continued on next page.