In today’s blog post learn how to use the conjunction unless and the expression as long as in natural conversation. Use this English grammar like a pro!
Unless
In today’s post, I will teach you how to use the conjunction UNLESS in natural English conversation.
Do you remember what a conjunction is in English grammar? A conjunction is:
a word that joins words, phrases or sentences, for example ‘and’, ‘but’, ‘or’ ~ https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/conjunction?q=conjunction
I recently made a blog post explaining how to use the conjunction IF. If you want to see that post it’s linked HERE.
Oxford Learners Dictionaries also tells us that unless is ~ used to say that something can only happen or be true in a particular situation
Please look at the following example:
This movie is rated R. You can’t watch it at the theatre unless you’re over 18 years old.
You can only watch the movie at the theater if you are at least 18.
Another way to think of UNLESS is ~ except if.
You can’t watch the movie except if you are over 18.
Full blog audio at the bottom of this post. 🢃
Listen and learn!
More examples
I’ll wear my new shoes on Friday unless it’s raining.
If it’s raining on Friday I won’t wear my new shoes.
Let’s go to that new pizza restaurant – unless you want Chinese food tonight.
If you want Chinese food tonight we won’t have pizza.
We can also start a sentence with unless. For example:
[We have a reservation at the restaurant for 6:30.]
Unless we get the 6:10 train, we’ll be late.
~ the 2 ideas joined in this sentence are
① Taking the 6:10 train
② Being late
②Not being late depends on (is on the condition of) ①taking the 6:10 train.
This is another way to say: If we don’t take the 6:10 train we will be late.
Unless can be used like this as part of a natural conversation.
- A: Should I tell Jim that I scratched the company van?
B: I wouldn’t say anything. Not unless he asks you.
– Don’t say anything except if Jim asks you about it.
As long as
This expression has the same meaning as IF [on the condition that]
- You can get very fresh fish at the market as long as you get there early.
So long as is also possible.
- You can get very fresh fish at the market so long as you get there early.
As long as examples
- We can get a dog as long as you promise to look after it.
We can buy a dog on the condition that you take care of it.
Full blog audio below. Listen right from the post!
English grammar Unless – As long as – MP3
Write a sentence in the comment section using this new grammar!
“I’ll go to the party unless I have to work late.”
Check out these other great blog posts!
- 42 Advanced Phrasal Verbs (That You Need to Know) *Free PDF
Phrasal verbs are very common in English conversation. Learning phrasal verbs is a great way to make your English sound more natural. Some phrasal verbs are literal, which means… Read more: 42 Advanced Phrasal Verbs (That You Need to Know) *Free PDF - Master Adjectives with Prepositions (95 Combinations!)
Adjectives with Prepositions are challenging to use correctly in your second language. This post will help you by showing 8 prepositions that are used with… Read more: Master Adjectives with Prepositions (95 Combinations!) - He Doesn’t Have or Has? 30 Examples (Free PDF – Video)
My students in Tokyo often ask me which is correct – He Doesn’t Have or Has? Learn this English grammar at my post. Get your PDF study guide too, it’s FREE! - 50 Prefix DIS- Words and Example Sentences (Free PDF)
Are you curious about how the prefix DIS- can improve your English vocabulary? In this blog post, we’ll explore how the prefix DIS- is used… Read more: 50 Prefix DIS- Words and Example Sentences (Free PDF) - Master Past Tense verbs (Learn 50 irregular verbs + PDF and QUIZ)
Using different verb tenses correctly can be difficult. Especially past tense English verbs. This post will explain the basic rules of this verb grammar and teach you… Read more: Master Past Tense verbs (Learn 50 irregular verbs + PDF and QUIZ)
