How to Use Unless: Useful Definition & Examples

Last updated on November 20, 2024 by Grammargeek

Understanding how to use unless can help improve your English grammar skills. “Unless” means “if not” and is often used in conditional sentences. This reference will guide you through the rules and examples of using “unless” in sentences.

You’ll get to see the practical use of “unless” through various grammar rules and example sentences. Knowing how to use this term can make your writing and speaking more precise and clear.

How to Use Unless

How to Use Unless
How to Use Unless – Created by 7ESL

Unless is similar in meaning to if not and can be used instead of if not in certain types of conditional sentences. Like if, unless is followed by a present tense, a past tense, or a past perfect tense.

For example:

  • You will not gain high score in IELTS exam unless you learn English every day. (You will not gain high score in IELTS exam if you do not learn English every day.)
  • He wouldn’t be late for the train unless he forgot his luggage. (He wouldn’t be late for the train if he did not forget his luggage.)
  • Unless I had walked in the rain last week, I wouldn’t have been sick. (If I had not walk in the rain last week, I wouldn’t have been sick.)

We cannot use unless in questions:

  • What will you do if you do not pass this final exam? 
    (NOT: What will you do unless you pass this final exam?)

We don’t use will or would in the clause after unless:

  • Unless we leave now, we can be late.
    (NOT: Unless we will leave now, can be late.)

Common Uses and Examples

Common Uses

Rules or Restrictions:

  • You can’t enter the event unless you have a ticket.
    (Only people with tickets can enter.)

Warnings:

  • Unless you hurry, you’ll miss the train.
    (Hurry, or you’ll miss the train.)

Advice:

  • Don’t leave unless you’re sure you’ve locked the door.
    (Check the lock before you leave.)

Example Sentences

Future Conditional:

  • We won’t play tennis unless it stops raining.
  • She will fail the exam unless she studies hard.

Present Conditional:

  • I don’t take risks unless I’m sure about the outcome.
  • Unless he apologizes, I won’t forgive him.

Past Conditional:

  • I wouldn’t have succeeded unless she had helped me.
  • Unless they had arrived on time, the meeting would have started late.

Related terms:

Conditionals in English

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