David Recine

Magoosh Comics: Using “Unless” and “If” Together

In my last post on this subject, I talked about the difference in meaning between unless and if. As I mentioned before, “unless” usually is a substitute for “except if” or “if not.” When “unless” is used as a substitute in an “if” sentence, the two sentences have the same meaning. “I will not call her if she calls me first” is the same as “I will call her except if she calls me first,” and “I will call her unless she calls me first,” for example.

There are other ways that unless and if can be used together, instead of being substitutes for each other. For instance, in a conversation, one person could suggest a course of action if something else happens. Another person could disagree, saying not to do that thing unless a certain condition is met. This can be seen in the following comic.

 

mc-uuait_img1

 

Practice for your TOEFL exam with Magoosh.

Unless and if can also be used to ask for confirmation of a fact. When one person makes an if statement, another person might rephrase the statement as an unless question. (Or vice-versa.) You can see that here:

 

mc-uuait_img2

 

If and unless can also be used together by a single speaker or writer, to restate and reinforce an important idea. You are likely to come across this use in a textbook or factual article. Unless and if as factual reinforcers might look something like this:

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Photo by Valentyn Volkov

 

Notice above that not can be moved from its usual place in the if statement, and put in the same sentence with unless. Grammar is unless and if together gives you flexibility of use and some flexibility of grammar.

 

Author

  • David Recine

    David is a Test Prep Expert for Magoosh TOEFL and IELTS. Additionally, he’s helped students with TOEIC, PET, FCE, BULATS, Eiken, SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT. David has a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and an MA from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His work at Magoosh has been cited in many scholarly articles, his Master’s Thesis is featured on the Reading with Pictures website, and he’s presented at the WITESOL (link to PDF) and NAFSA conferences. David has taught K-12 ESL in South Korea as well as undergraduate English and MBA-level business English at American universities. He has also trained English teachers in America, Italy, and Peru. Come join David and the Magoosh team on Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram, or connect with him via LinkedIn!

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