Using Unless

Unless means if not. We use it in conditional sentences instead of if not.

Unless can be used with present, past and past perfect tenses. Use unless with present tenses when talking about the future.

Present

You will damage your health unless you stop smoking. = you will damage your health if you do not stop smoking.

Past

Unless she was working late, she would be here. = If she was not working, she would would be here.

Past Perfect

I wouldn't have taken Paul unless his car hadn't broken down. = If Paul's car had not broken down I would not have taken him.

Now complete these sentences:

• 1) You don't have to play ___ you want to.
  
  unless if
  unless
  if unless
  
  
• 2) She'll be here tonight, ___ her flight is delayed.
  
  if unless
  unless if
  unless
  
  
• 3) I would not have bought these unless they ___ on sale.
  
  was
  is
  were
  
  
• 4) I ___ email you unless I have a problem.
  
  did
  would have
  won't
  
  
• 5) Unless ___ mistaken, he works for Adidas.
  
  I would
  I will
  I am
  
  
• 6) I ___ to college unless it's raining.
  
  would walk
  walk
  walked
  
  
• 7) She is going to quit her job unless she ___ a pay rise.
  
  gets
  got
  would have got