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Unless means the same as if...not. Like if, it is followed by a present tense, a past tense or a past
perfect (never by 'would'). It is used instead of if + not in conditional sentences of all types:
b. I won't pay unless you provide the goods immediately. (= If you don't provide
them I won't pay)
c. You'll never understand English unless you study this grammar carefully. (=
You'll never understand if you don't study...)
Type 2: (Unless + past)
a. Unless he was very ill, he would be at work.
c. She would be here by now unless she was stuck in the traffic.
Type 3: (Unless + past perfect)
a. The elephant wouldn't have seen the mouse unless she'd had perfect eyesight.
c. They would have shot her unless she'd given them the money.
If / Unless
IF UNLESS
Unless – if not –indicates the likely outcome if
If – in this condition (one of many) – indicates a
failing to do the action in the statement that
condition to achieve a desired outcome.
precedes it.
If you cook your turkey like this, you will have
Unless you cook your turkey like this, you will
a tender turkey.
have a tough turkey.
(if this condition is met)
(if this condition is not met)
ONLY IF OTHERWISE
Only if – under this condition – emphasizes the Otherwise – if not – indicates the likely outcome
one, specific condition to achieve the desired if you do the opposite action from the one
outcome. indicated in the sentence before it.
Only if you cook your turkey like this, will you Cook your turkey like this. Otherwise, you will
have a delicious dinner. have a tough turkey.
1
if this condition is met = under this condition
Note: Sometimes, using the negative form is a way for the speaker to impose his/her
will. Compare: "Are you tired?" and "Aren't you tired?". The speaker, when using the negative,
wants the listener to agree.
Only IF
you use Zing dish you get really clean dishes. (get =
If
soap, do get)
do you get really clean dishes.
you use Zing dish
Only if
soap,
you used Zing dish you got really clean dishes. (got =
If
soap, did get)
you used Zing dish
Only if did you get really clean dishes.
soap,
Practice
Road Rules
1. Then, check your answer by clicking the check button to the right.
3
A driver may drive 65 mph in a zone that is marked 65 mph
7.
it is unsafe to do so.