Synthesis & Transformation

2. UnlessUnless has a similar meaning to ‘has a similar meaning to ‘except if’except if’’’
E.g: Let’s go out for dinner unless you are too tired.
Same as: Let’s go out for dinner except if you
are too tired.
E.g:I’ll take the job unless the pay is too low.
Same as: I’ll take the job except if the pay
is too low.

3. In clauses withIn clauses with unlessunless, we usually use the, we usually use the
Present Tenses to refer to the future.Present Tenses to refer to the future.
I’ll be going to the beach unless it rains. 
I’ll be going to the beach unless it
will rain. x

4. You use “unless” about something thatYou use “unless” about something that
• could happen if something else does notcould happen if something else does not
happen or is not done, orhappen or is not done, or
• if something could be true.if something could be true.
E.g.: She will die if the doctors do not operate
immediately.
Unless the doctors operate immediately,
she will die.
Or She will die unless the
doctors operate
immediately.

5. You often use “unless” to add a condition.You often use “unless” to add a condition.
E.g: We’ll go there next Sunday if it does
not rain.
We’ll go there next Sunday unless it
rains.

6. Common MistakesCommon Mistakes
You will pass your exam if you study hard.
•Unless you study hard, you will pass your exam. X
•Unless you study hard, you will not pass your exam. 
Same as: You will not pass your exam except if you
study hard.
He will be dropped from the team if he does not
follow the coach’s instructions.
•He will be dropped from the team unless he does
not follow the coach’s instructions. X
•He will be dropped from the team unless he follows
the coach’s instructions. 
Same as: He will be dropped from the team except if
he follows the coach’s instructions.

7. Common MistakesCommon Mistakes
You will pass your exam if you study hard.
•Unless you study hard, you will pass your exam. X
•Unless you study hard, you will not pass your exam. 
Same as: You will not pass your exam except if you
study hard.
He will be dropped from the team if he does not
follow the coach’s instructions.
•He will be dropped from the team unless he does
not follow the coach’s instructions. X
•He will be dropped from the team unless he follows
the coach’s instructions. 
Same as: He will be dropped from the team except if
he follows the coach’s instructions.