WordGarden.iounless
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnlˈɛs/
US
- /ənˈlɛs/
Meanings
Conjunction
except if; used to introduce the condition that would prevent something
Beyond the definition
Imagine building a sandcastle. You'll keep building unless the tide comes in. "Unless" brings in a condition that can stop something else from happening. It usually means "if not." You might say you won't go to the party unless your friend goes too, or a plant won't grow unless it gets water. It adds the one exception that changes what happens.
"Unless" is a word that connects two ideas by introducing an exception. In most cases, it means "if not" or "except in the event that." It points to the condition that would stop the main thing from happening.
Think of it like this: you might say, "I will study hard unless I get sick." This means being sick is the condition that would stop you from studying.
"Unless" is frequently used to express rules or warnings. For example: "No admittance unless you have a ticket," or, "Don't touch that wire unless you want to get shocked!" Because of its precision, it's often found in legal documents and formal writing.
However, it also pops up constantly in everyday conversation. You might tell a friend, "I'll see you tomorrow unless something comes up."
The trick to understanding "unless" is recognizing that it introduces the condition under which the main part of the sentence will not happen. It's a powerful little word that completely changes the meaning of a sentence by highlighting the one factor that could interrupt your plans.
Examples
- 1
Dinner plans
We won’t start dinner unless Dad gets home soon.
- 2
Borrowing a car
You can’t borrow the car unless you fill up the tank first.
- 3
Weather plans
I’ll bring an umbrella unless the rain stops before noon.
- 4
Late calls
I don’t usually call people late at night unless it’s important.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Train deadline
Unless you leave now, you’ll miss the train.
- 6
Seasonal hours
Most shops around here are closed on Sundays unless it’s summer.
- 7
Polite uncertainty
Unless I’m mistaken, this key opens the back door.
- Phraseunless I’m mistaken
if I am not wrong
- 8
Conditional reply
“Are you coming with us?” “Not unless I finish this report tonight.”
- Patternnot unless + condition
only if that condition happens
- 9
Contract terms
All payments are due on Friday unless otherwise stated in the contract.
- Phraseunless otherwise stated
except if a different rule is written
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unlessconjunction