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- DictionaryUn·less/ənˈles/
conjunction
- 1. except if (used to introduce the case in which a statement being made is not true or valid): "unless you have a photographic memory, repetition is vital"
We use the conjunction unless to mean ‘except if’. The clause which follows unless is a subordinate clause (sc): it needs a main clause (mc) to make a complete sentence. When unless comes before the main clause, we use a comma: Unless [SC] it rains, [MC] we’ll go for a picnic by the river tomorrow.
Unless is used to talk about a situation that could happen, or something that could be true, in the future. If you know that something has not happened or that something is not true, use if… not If you weren't always in such a hurry (= but you are) , your work would be much better.
unless. From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English un‧less /ʌnˈles, ən-/ S1 W1 conjunction 1 used to say that something will happen or be true if something else does not happen or is not true Unless some extra money is found, the theatre will close.
4 days ago · Unless is used to introduce the only situation in which something will take place or be true. In the 1940s, unless she wore gloves a woman was not properly dressed... You must not give compliments unless you mean them. You cannot use unless to talk about a situation that results from
1. except under the circumstances that: We'll be there at nine, unless the train is late. prep. 2. except; but; save: Nothing will come of it, unless disaster. [1400–50; late Middle English preposition phrase on less,o less (e), earlier upon less on a lesser footing (than)]
UNLESS meaning: used to say what will happen, be done, or be true if something else does not happen, is not done, or is not true.
unless /ʌnˈlɛs/ conj. ( subordinating) except under the circumstances that; except on the condition that: they'll sell it unless he hears otherwise. Etymology: 14th Century: onlesse, from on on + lesse less; compare French à moins que, literally: at less than. 'unless' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
