Negative conditions

Unless

Unless often has the same meaning as if... not, and we can often use either

There's no chance of you getting the job unless you apply, (or...if you don't apply.)

You can't travel on this train unless you have a reservation, (or...if you don't have...)

Unless it rains, I'll pick you up at 6.00.

However, there are contexts where the forms are not interchangeable.

We prefer to use unless

Unless you change your mind I won’t be able to help you.

- for introducing clauses that contain other negative elements

Don't ask me to explain unless you really don't understand.

- to introduce an afterthought

Without Philip to run it, the course can't continue - unless you want the job, of course.

In written English, the afterthought is often separated from the rest of the sentence by a dash.

we use if...not (but not unless):

-in most unreal conditional sentences:

He would be happier if he didn't take things so seriously, (not...unless he took...)

If she hadn't gone to university, she would have gone into the police force, (not Unless she had gone...)

- when we talk about emotions:

I'll be amazed if Christie doesn't win. (not …unless Christie wins.)

- when the negative condition after if is contrary to known facts

You’d be happier if you didn’t have such high expectations.

- in most questions:

If you don't pass the test, what will you do? (not unless you pass...)

What time shall we leave for the theatre if he doesn’t turn up?

3.3.2. if it was/were not for + noun

We use if it was/were not for + noun to say that one situation is dependent on another situation or on a person.

If it wasn't/weren't for Vivian, the conference wouldn't be going ahead.

If it weren't for Jim, this company would be in a mess.

When we talk about the past we use If it had not been for + noun:

If it hadn't been for my parents, I would never have gone to university.

If it hadn't been for their goalkeeper, United would have lost.

In formal and literary language inversion is very common for this type of sentence:

Were it not for Vivian...

Had it not been for my parents...

3.3.3. but for + noun

We often use but for + noun with the same meaning as if it was/were not for + noun

But for Jim's support, I wouldn't have got the job. (= If it hadn't been for Jim...)

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