We use ‘if’ to express a condition – something that must happen first so that something else can happen. Unless has a similar meaning to if not.
Complete the following sentences using unless or if.
1. You will lose your driving license, ....................... you get caught drinking and driving.
We use 'if' to indicate a condition. Unless means 'if not'.
2. ......................... you don't diet, you will not lose weight.
We use 'if' to express a condition.
3. I will take the job ........................ the pay is too low.
Unless is similar to 'if not'.
4. .......................... you don't quit smoking, you will fall ill.
5. I won't be able to launch my business ........................ I get the loan.
Unless means 'if not'. I won't be able to launch my business if I don't get the loan.
6. .......................... you don't leave my place, I will call the police.
The above sentence can also be written as: 'Unless you leave my place, I will call the police.'
7. ........................... she is late, we will go without her.
Here we use 'if' to express a condition.
8. You will look nicer ........................... you don't wear too much make-up.
9. ......................... he gets caught he will be imprisoned.
We use 'if' to express a condition.
10. .................................... he mends his ways, he will land himself in serious trouble.
Unless can mean 'if not'. The above sentence can also be written as: If he does not mend his ways, he will land himself in serious trouble.
11. Let's go for a walk - .......................... you are too tired.
Unless means if not. If you are too tired, you will definitely not want to go for a walk.
12. ........................... she helps, we are going to be in real trouble.
Unless means if not. The above sentence can also be written as: If she does not help, we are going to be in real trouble.
Answers
1. You will lose your driving license, if you get caught drinking and driving.
2. If you don’t diet, you will not lose weight.
3. I will take the job unless the pay is too low.
4. If you don’t quit smoking, you will fall ill.
5. I won’t be able to launch my business unless I get the loan.
6. If you don’t leave my place, I will call the police.
7. If she is late, we will go without her.
8. You will look nicer if you don’t wear too much make-up.
9. If he gets caught he will be imprisoned.
10. Unless he mends his ways, he will land himself in serious trouble.
11. Let’s go for a walk – unless you are too tired.
12. Unless she helps, we are going to be in real trouble.
