Using "unless". If....Not / unless

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Basic Rule

"Unless" is used to show a condition, just like "if .....not."

It introduces a condition under which something will not happen or will change.

Simple Explanation

1. "Unless" means "if... not" and sets a negative condition.

2. The sentence following "unless" shows the condition that prevents or changes the main idea.

Examples to show the difference

1. "Unless it rains, we’ll go to the park."

Equivalent to: "If it does not rain, we’ll go to the park."

Meaning: We will only go to the park if it doesn’t rain.

2. "I won’t go unless you come with me."

Equivalent to: "I won’t go if you do not come with me."

Meaning: I will only go if you come with me.

Practice Exercise

Exercise: Rewrite the Sentences Using "Unless"

1. If it doesn’t rain, we’ll have a picnic.

Answer: We’ll have a picnic unless it rains.

2. If you don’t study hard, you won’t pass the test.

Answer: You won’t pass the test unless you study hard.

3. If everyone doesn’t help, the project won’t be completed on time.

Answer: The project won’t be completed on time unless everyone helps.

4. If the room isn’t dark, I can’t sleep well.

Answer: I can’t sleep well unless the room is dark.

5. If the weather doesn’t improve, we won’t leave for the trip.

Answer: We won’t leave for the trip unless the weather improves.

6. If you don’t feel healthy enough, you shouldn’t exercise.

Answer: You shouldn’t exercise unless you feel healthy enough.

7. If you don’t plug it in, your computer won’t work.

Answer: Your computer won’t work unless you plug it in.

8. If he doesn’t apologize sincerely, I won’t forgive him.

Answer: I won’t forgive him unless he apologizes sincerely.

9. If you don’t believe in yourself, you can’t succeed.

Answer: You can’t succeed unless you believe in yourself.

10. If you don’t have a steady income, the bank won’t give you a loan.

Answer: The bank won’t give you a loan unless you have a steady income.

By practicing this way, you can get comfortable with the idea that "unless" is like saying "if not."