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.
1You will lose your driving licence ............... you get caught drinking and driving.
Wrong!
Use "if" for a possible condition that may cause the result.
2............... you don't diet, you will not lose weight.
Wrong!
Use "If" before a negative condition with "don't".
3I will take the job ............... the pay is too low.
Wrong!
Use "unless" to mean "if not" in this sentence.
4............... you don't quit smoking, you will fall ill.
Wrong!
Use "If" because the condition is already negative with "don't".
5I won't be able to launch my business ............... I get the loan.
Wrong!
Use "unless" to mean "if I don't get the loan".
6............... you don't leave my place, I will call the police.
Wrong!
Use "If" before the negative condition "you don't leave".
7............... she is late, we will go without her.
Wrong!
Use "If" for a possible condition that will make us go without her.
8You will look nicer ............... you don't wear too much make-up.
Wrong!
Use "if" before the negative condition "you don't wear too much make-up".
9............... he gets caught, he will be imprisoned.
Wrong!
Use "If" for a possible condition that may lead to imprisonment.
10............... he mends his ways, he will land himself in serious trouble.
Wrong!
Use "Unless" to mean "if he does not mend his ways".
11Let's go for a walk, ............... you are too tired.
Wrong!
Use "unless" to introduce the exception to going for a walk.
12............... she helps, we are going to be in real trouble.
Wrong!
Use "Unless" to mean "if she does not help".
Answers
- You will lose your driving licence if you get caught drinking and driving.
- If you don’t diet, you will not lose weight.
- I will take the job unless the pay is too low.
- If you don’t quit smoking, you will fall ill.
- I won’t be able to launch my business unless I get the loan.
- If you don’t leave my place, I will call the police.
- If she is late, we will go without her.
- You will look nicer if you don’t wear too much make-up.
- If he gets caught, he will be imprisoned.
- Unless he mends his ways, he will land himself in serious trouble.
- Let’s go for a walk, unless you are too tired.
- Unless she helps, we are going to be in real trouble.