Combine using unless

Unless means if not. It expresses a condition and its possible consequences. An example is given below.

• You have to give me the keys of the safe. Otherwise, you will be shot.
• Unless you give me the keys of the safe, you will be shot.
• If you do not give me the keys of the safe, you will be shot.

Exercise

Combine the following pairs of sentences using unless.

1. Work hard. Otherwise you cannot win.

2. The boys must work hard. Otherwise they will fail.

3. You have to start early. Otherwise you will get stuck in the traffic.

4. Hire a taxi. Or, you will miss the train.

5. Obey my orders. Otherwise you will be dismissed.

6. You must take an umbrella. Otherwise you will get wet.

7. If you don’t work hard, you won’t pass the examination.

8. We should receive enough rain. Otherwise, there will be a shortage of electricity.

9. Gopal has to consult a good doctor. Otherwise his condition may get worse.

10. They have to come early. Otherwise they won’t get the tickets.

ANSWERS

1. Unless you work hard, you cannot win.

2. Unless the boys work hard, they will fail.

3. Unless you start early, you will get stuck in the traffic.

4. Unless you hire a taxi, you will miss the train.

5. Unless you obey my orders, you will be dismissed.

6. Unless you take an umbrella, you will get wet.

7. Unless you work hard, you won’t pass the examination.

8. Unless we receive enough rain, there will be a shortage of electricity.

9. Unless Gopal consults a good doctor his condition may get worse.

10. Unless they come early, they won’t get the tickets.