unless
You won't pass the exam unless you study hard.
This means passing depends on studying hard.
Introduces an exception to a general statement or condition.
You can't enter the building unless you have a pass.
Entry is only allowed with a pass.
Unless you apologize, she won't forgive you.
Apologizing is the only way to gain forgiveness.
Often used to express a condition that must be met for something to happen.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Conditionality
Use 'unless' to express that something will only happen if a specific condition is met.
Gold Rule
Logical Structure
'Unless' is used to introduce the only condition under which a statement is not true.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'onles', from Old English 'onlæss' meaning 'except' + 'læss' meaning 'less'.
Usage Notes
Often used in formal and informal contexts to introduce a condition that must be met for a statement to be true.