that is unless

USAGE SUMMARY

'that is unless' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something will not happen unless a certain condition is met. For example: "He usually wakes up early, that is unless he has a late night."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Pornography constructs who that is" (MacKinnon 1987 172).

SEP

But hey, that's yesterday's news.

Forbes

Jesus, that was ten years ago.

Vice

Oh, that was last week.

Huffington Post

Maybe that is today's story.

Independent

But that is tomorrow's headache.

The Economist

Moreover, that is, (10).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

That is 2,143 days.

Huffington Post

That is 1,000 calls.

Huffington Post

That's 1975 billions!

The New York Times

And that was eight years ago.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that is unless" to clearly introduce an exception or condition that alters the preceding statement. It adds a layer of precision to your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "that is unless" can sound stilted in very casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "except if" or "unless" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

That is unless functions as a conjunctional phrase. It introduces a condition or exception to a preceding statement, setting a limit on its applicability. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that is unless" is a grammatically correct conjunctional phrase used to introduce a condition or exception to a preceding statement. While considered correct and usable according to Ludwig AI, it's important to consider the context and register when using it. Alternatives such as "except if" or "only if" may be more appropriate depending on the desired level of formality. Although the phrase is grammatically sound, it is not commonly found in modern English, therefore understanding the alternatives and their implications is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

except if

Directly introduces an exception to a preceding statement.

save when

Highlights specific instances where the initial statement does not apply.

except when

Emphasizes particular circumstances that negate the main point.

but only if

Stresses that the first point is valid exclusively under a specific condition.

not unless

A more emphatic way to express that something will only happen if a condition is met.

only if

States a single condition is required for something to be true or occur.

provided that

Indicates a stipulation that must be fulfilled.

on the condition that

Formal phrasing for specifying a mandatory requirement.

if and only if

Expresses a strict equivalence between a condition and an outcome.

assuming that

Introduces an assumption or precondition

FAQs

How can I use "that is unless" in a sentence?

Use "that is unless" to introduce a condition that makes an exception to a general statement. For example, "I usually go to bed early, "that is unless" I have a late shift at work".

What's a more informal alternative to "that is unless"?

Alternatives such as "except if" or "unless" are more suitable for casual conversations.

Is "that is unless" interchangeable with "except that"?

No, "that is unless" introduces a condition, while "except that" introduces a contrasting fact. You might say, "I enjoy all sports, "that is unless" it involves running" (condition) versus "I enjoy all sports, "except that" I'm not very good at them" (contrasting fact).

What's the difference between "that is unless" and "only if"?

"That is unless" introduces an exception to a general rule, while "only if" specifies the single condition under which something will occur. The first suggests an exception, while the second specifies a strict requirement.