Unless

Pronunciation: /ʌnˈlɛs/

Definitions of unless

conjunction a word used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words in the same clause

Example Sentences

A1 I won't go outside unless it stops raining.

A2 Unless you study hard, you won't pass the exam.

B1 I will be late for the meeting unless the traffic clears up.

B2 Unless you have a valid ticket, you cannot enter the concert.

C1 Unless we receive payment by Friday, we will cancel your order.

C2 I will not invest in the company unless I see a detailed financial plan.

Examples of unless in a Sentence

formal I will not be attending the meeting unless there is a change in the schedule.

informal I won't go to the party unless you come with me.

slang I ain't doing it unless you pay me first.

figurative The tree won't bear fruit unless it is properly cared for.

Grammatical Forms of unless

• past tense: unlesse
• plural: unlesss
• comparative: less
• superlative: least
• present tense: unless
• future tense: will unless
• perfect tense: have unlessed
• continuous tense: is unlessing
• singular: unless
• positive degree: less
• infinitive: to unless
• gerund: unlessing
• participle: unlssed

Origin and Evolution of unless

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'unless' originated from Middle English, a combination of the Old English words 'un' meaning 'not' and 'less' meaning 'to a smaller extent'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'unless' has retained its original meaning of 'except if' or 'if not'. The word has become a common conjunction in modern English, used to introduce a condition that must be fulfilled for a particular result to happen.