unless there is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unless there is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a situation that only happens in the absence of something else. For example, "The horse can run faster, unless there is an obstacle in its path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unless there is a disqualified challenger.

The Guardian - Sport

No, not unless there is an alternative.

The Guardian

Procreation should be free unless there is a particular problem.

The New Yorker

Unless there is reform, it will happen again.

Independent

"Unless there is a reality it hides about the situation".

The New York Times

This will never happen unless there is a political change.

Independent

It's almost certainly over, unless there is some tremendous surprise.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thursday, unless there is rain or high wind.

The New York Times

Unless there is a true boom, incomes don't grow much.

The New York Times

Taxes don't pay for expenditures unless there is hypothecation.

The Guardian

Unless there is an authority to do it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unless there is", ensure that the condition you are setting is clear and directly related to the outcome you're describing. Avoid ambiguous phrasing to maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "unless there is" at the end of a sentence, as it can make the condition unclear. Place it at the beginning or in the middle to clearly establish the conditional relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unless there is" functions as a conditional connector, introducing a condition that must be false for the main clause to be true. It sets up an exception or a contingency. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

37%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unless there is" is a versatile and frequently used conditional connector. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, highlighting that it effectively sets a condition that must be false for an event to occur. It’s prevalent in diverse sources, from news to scientific papers, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When writing, ensure that the condition is clear and directly related to the outcome. Common errors include placing it at the end of a sentence, which can cause ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "if there isn't" or "except if there is" for variety or emphasis. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig showcase its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

except if there is

Emphasizes the exception to a rule or situation.

if there isn't

Expresses the condition in a negative form, implying a requirement for something not to exist.

without there being

Highlights the absence of something as a necessary condition.

save where there is

Introduces an exception, often used in legal or formal contexts.

barring the existence of

Formally excludes a possibility, setting a condition.

absent any

Concise and emphasizes a lack of something.

excepting if

Slightly archaic, similar to "except if".

but for

Indicates that something would be different if not for a specific factor.

were it not for

Formal and hypothetical; emphasizes the importance of the specified factor.

in the absence of

Highlights the lack of something as a necessary condition.

FAQs

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

Use "unless there is" to introduce a condition that must be met for something else to happen. For example, "The game will continue, "unless there is" rain."

What's a simple alternative to "unless there is"?

A simpler alternative to "unless there is" is "if there isn't". For instance, instead of "I won't go unless there is a party", you can say, "I won't go if there isn't a party".

How does "unless there is" differ from "except if there is"?

"Unless there is" sets a general condition, while "except if there is" emphasizes a specific exception. "The rule applies, unless there is a valid reason" is general, whereas "The rule applies, except if there is a prior agreement" is specific.

Can "unless there is" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "unless there is" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, you might opt for alternatives like "save where there is" or "barring the existence of", which are more sophisticated.