Proviso Clauses
If the action of the independent clause happens only under the particular circumstances described by the dependent clause, the dependent clause is referred to a proviso clause. There are a number of words that can introduce clauses of proviso (dum, dummodo, modo), which usually are translated as “if only”, “only”, “so/as long as”, or “provided that.” The clause of proviso always features a subjunctive verb in either the present or imperfect subjunctive, depending on the sequence of tenses. Clauses of proviso are negated by adding nē into the clause.
Below are some examples of proviso clauses (subjunctive verbs in the proviso clauses are bolded):
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Dum metuant, oderint. (So long as they are scared, let them be hateful)
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Magnō timore mē liberabis, dummodo inter me atque te murus intersit. (You will free me from great fear, provided that there is a wall between me and you).
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Erimus felices, modo nē discedas. (We will be happy, provided that you do not leave.)