Before we start with the rules and exercises, many of you are wondering what OPS means. OPS stands for Option, Process and Security and it is derived from the word Options, which means in terms of a jingle: “There are many ways to get to Rome.”
And this regardless of what language Option is translated into.
OPS is used Conditional Sentences in English; most notably, Conditionals Zero and One. In both forms, we have the If-Sentence formulated in Present Simple, but in the main sentence, future tense is used in Conditional One and it describes the Cause-and-Effect Scenario. In Conditional Zero, it can be formulated into either Present Simple if you want to make a statement in present form, or into an Imperative if you want to give orders.
Here are a pair of tables describing the difference, together with the examples:
As a general rule, if is used in a dependent clause, supporting the main sentence. However the following words can also be used in place of that word starter:
This is where we use the OPS. OPS stands for Options, Process and Security. Each acronym stands for a category and they are described as follows:
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Option:
When using this one, we look at the options and what could happen if we choose the options available. For example:
If you book your flight before December 31st you will receive a 30% discount.
That means one has the choice between taking the offer and simply booking later than the date and not receiving any discount.
Another Example:
The next time I see you rocking the bus, I will call the school principal and your parents!
Even though one should behave themselves while riding the school bus, the bus driver gives the students a choice between being rowdy and having to deal with the parents and principal or simply not doing it, sitting down and being civilized to one another and talking about other topics.
Word starters in conditional sentences here consist of:
If, In Case, Unless, The Next Time
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Process:
When we use word starters for process, that means one has no options available. It means one has to complete step one in order to proceed to step two. This set of words is used for anything that is bureaucratic, something that is the middle name for Germany and the US when it comes to paperwork for licenses, taxes, permits, and anything requiring the trip to the office. Hence the first example:
Example 1:
When you are finished filling out the forms, give them to the secretary and you may leave the building.
For processes, they also include fixed projections and anything relating to subscriptions and making orders, like in the second example:
Example 2:
Once we receive your payment, we will give you access to the TV network. (Hint: Think of Netflix, Disney or Paramount+)
Word starters representing process in conditional sentences include:
When, As Soon As, Once, The Next Time, Before, After
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Security:
The S stands for security and when using it, it means that all the exits must be covered and back-up plans are in place. In short, it has to do with the saying: “Just in case.” A couple examples support this:
Example 1:
In case the protesters march down this street, the police will be ready to greet them.
Example 2:
Next time you harass this person in any way, you will be taken to court.
These two sentences mean the same as giving the actors the choice and facing the consequences, but in a way that if actor 1 acts and causes threats, actor 2 will take action to protect the lives of one or more affected people involved.
Word starters here consist of:
In Case, Before, The Next Time, Unless
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(The) Next Time can be used for all three OPS categories, yet keep in mind the following:
- As an Option, one is put to a choice and threatened with action if one commits to repeating an offense of any kind.
- As a Process, it acts as a next step for the foreseeable future, namely a day or so.
- As a Security, it acts as a preventive measure similar to Option but to protect person and property.
So summing it up, we have this table to show you, which works for Conditionals Zero and One:
Any Questions? If not, we will proceed to the exercises which can be found here, together with the answer sheet. 🙂
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THE FLENSBURG FILES 
