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UNLESS

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:

Type 1: (Unless + present)


a. You'll be sick unless you stop eating. (= You will be sick if you don't stop
eating)

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.

b. I wouldn't eat that food unless I was really hungry.

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.

b. I wouldn't have phoned him unless you'd suggested it.

c. They would have shot her unless she'd given them the money.

If / Unless

Conditions for Desirable Outcomes

If, only if, unless, otherwise, or else

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

Condition & Result Phrasing

CONDITION RESULTING ACTION


If you use a thermometer,
This is one way to tell when it's ready. There you will know when your turkey is done.
may be other ways as well.
Only if you use a thermometer,
There is only one way to tell when it's done. will you know when your turkey is done.
(Specifically, use this way.)
Unless you use a thermometer, you won't know when your turkey is done.
Not using a thermometer will give bad results.
(Listen to me!)
Otherwise, you won't know when your turkey is
done.
Use a thermometer.
Not using a thermometer will give bad results.
(Using other ways is unsatisfactory!)
or else you won't know when your turkey is
done.
Use a thermometer,
Not using a thermometer will give bad results.
(Using other ways is unsatisfactory!)

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

CONDITION RESULTING ACTION


Condition (followed Outcome – the auxiliary verb moves
Conjunction
by a comma) in front of the subject.

you dry your dishes


If they will be spotless!
with a towel,
will they be spotless!
you dry your dishes
Only if
with a towel,

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,

Note: If there is no auxiliary verb , you will need to add one.

Only if vs. If only


2
ONLY IF IF ONLY
under one condition a regretful wish
Only if you dry your dishes with a towel, will
If only I had more time, I could relax.
they be spotless!
Only if you clean up your room, will you find If only you would clean up your room, you
your lost jeans. would find your lost jeans.

Even if & Whether or not

EVEN IF WHETHER OR NOT


without condition; used before a negative
without condition; used with a positive verb
condition or verb
I'll help you even if I don't have much time. I'll help you whether or not I have much time.
I like to walk to work whether or not it is
I like to walk to work even if it is raining.
raining.
Even if your father doesn't say it, he loves you. Whether or not your father says it, he loves you.

Also see even if Adverbs of Emphasis

Practice

Road Rules

Select the answer that best completes the sentence.

1. Then, check your answer by clicking the check button to the right.

• More than one answer may be correct.


• Note the punctuation (which affects the meaning of the sentence.)

# YOUR RESPONSE OPTIONS

1. Most drivers will let you change lanes you signal


well in advance.

2. You shouldn't change lanes you signal first.

3. A driver may change lanes it is safe to do so.

A driver should stop and check for oncoming traffic before


4. making a right turn on a red light; , he will cause
an accident.

5. A driver may make a right turn on a red light it is a


one-way street and the traffic is oncoming.

6. A driver can go through a red light a police officer


signals the driver to do so.

3
A driver may drive 65 mph in a zone that is marked 65 mph
7.
it is unsafe to do so.

8. Drivers must be careful; , accidents will happen.

9. you put your full attention on driving, will you


lower your chances of having an accident.

10 A driver should park in a handicapped space the


driver has a special permit.

When parking, a driver should park between the marked lines.


11.
, he will take up two spaces.
A driver should look carefully before opening his door on the
12. traffic side of the street, oncoming traffic may
hit the door.

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