We use the conjunction unless to mean ‘except if’. The clause which follows unless is a subordinate clause (sc): it needs a main clause (mc) to make a complete sentence. When unless comes before the main clause, we use a comma: Unless [SC] it rains, [MC] we’ll go for a picnic by the river tomorrow.
Unless is a subordinating conjunction used to mean “if not” or to introduce a condition that would prevent something from happening. It is used to express a negative condition — a situation where something will happen only if another thing does not happen.
The meaning of UNLESS is except on the condition that : under any other circumstance than. How to use unless in a sentence.
Unless is similar in meaning to if not and can be used instead of if not in certain types of conditional sentences. Like if, unless is followed by a present tense, a past tense, or a past perfect tense. For example: You will not gain high score in IELTS exam unless you learn English every day.
(subordinating) except under the circumstances that; except on the condition that: they'll sell it unless he hears otherwise. 1. except under the circumstances that: We'll be there at nine, unless the train is late. prep. 2. except; but; save: Nothing will come of it, unless disaster.
Unless means the same as if...not. Like if, unless is followed by a present tense, a past tense, or a past perfect tense (never by a conditional). Unless is used instead of if...not in conditional sentences of all types. The order of the clauses doesn't matter with sentences using unless.