unless explicitly told otherwise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unless explicitly told otherwise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a certain condition or assumption holds true unless someone provides different instructions or information. Example: "Please proceed with the project as planned, unless explicitly told otherwise."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

You are to do all assignments yourself, unless explicitly told otherwise.

Princeton University

"Since the default position is confidentiality," she told me, "one has a right to expect it, unless explicitly told otherwise".

The New York Times - Magazine

Since 2006 firms could auto-enroll their employees: they could automatically put some of their wages in the accounts, unless explicitly told otherwise.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Do not discontinue or modify a medication regimen unless explicitly told to by your doctor.

WikiHow

"Unless told otherwise".

The Guardian - Sport

Unless it was told otherwise, AT&T was sending out the detailed bills.

The New York Times

And there's so much freedom here: in many countries, you keep out unless told otherwise.

The Guardian - Travel

I'm working hard and I'll be there on Tuesday unless I'm told otherwise".

BBC

The government has advised people to carry on with their normal shopping habits unless told otherwise.

BBC

Unless we are told otherwise we are assuming that we are right and ready to play.

BBC

As for making the lovers two men, everybody generally assumes one way unless told otherwise..

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unless explicitly told otherwise" to clearly indicate that a default action or assumption should be followed unless specific instructions are given to deviate from it. This avoids ambiguity and ensures consistent behavior.

Common error

Avoid constructions where the actor providing the instruction is unclear. Instead of "unless explicitly told otherwise", specify who should be providing the instruction: "unless your supervisor tells you otherwise."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unless explicitly told otherwise" functions as a conditional adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause by introducing a condition that, if met, would alter the outcome or action described in the main clause. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unless explicitly told otherwise" is a grammatically correct and usable conditional phrase that sets a default action but allows for specific exceptions. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is used to establish clear expectations and prevent misunderstandings across various contexts, ranging from academic assignments to everyday instructions. While its frequency is relatively rare, its clarity makes it particularly valuable in situations where precision is important. Alternative phrases such as "unless otherwise specified" or "unless explicitly instructed otherwise" can provide variety while maintaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unless explicitly directed otherwise

Replaces "told" with "directed", implying a more formal instruction.

unless explicitly instructed otherwise

Substitutes "told" with "instructed", suggesting a clear and direct order.

unless otherwise specified

Uses a more general term, focusing on the specification rather than the act of telling.

unless otherwise notified

Replaces "told" with "notified", emphasizing the communication aspect.

unless you hear differently

Uses a more informal tone focusing on receiving different information.

unless advised to the contrary

Emphasizes that the current course should be followed until there's advice against it.

unless there are alternative instructions

Highlights the possibility of other instructions changing the plan.

unless a change is communicated

This focuses on the act of communicating a change as the trigger for a different course of action.

unless a different course is suggested

Uses the verb suggest, leaving room for interpretation and flexibility.

absent explicit instructions to the contrary

Inverts the structure, placing the absence of contrary instructions as the primary condition.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "unless explicitly told otherwise" for variety?

You can use phrases such as "unless otherwise specified", "unless explicitly instructed otherwise", or "unless advised to the contrary" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to include "explicitly" in "unless told otherwise"?

While not always necessary, including "explicitly" emphasizes that the instructions must be clear and direct, leaving no room for misinterpretation. Omitting it (e.g., "unless told otherwise") is acceptable but may introduce slight ambiguity.

What's the difference between "unless explicitly told otherwise" and "otherwise"?

"Otherwise" is a general term that refers to a different condition or manner. "Unless explicitly told otherwise" is more specific; it indicates that a particular action should be taken unless there are clear instructions to do something differently. Compare: "Proceed as planned" vs. "Proceed as planned, "unless explicitly told otherwise"".

Can I use "unless explicitly told otherwise" in formal writing?

Yes, "unless explicitly told otherwise" is appropriate for formal writing. It provides a clear and unambiguous way to indicate a conditional exception to a general rule or instruction. However, ensure that the actor giving the instruction is clear to maintain formality and avoid vagueness.