unless this is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unless this is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a condition that negates or modifies a previous statement or assumption. Example: "I won't be attending the meeting unless this is rescheduled for next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Unless this is new.

The New Yorker

"I'm not dead," the boy muses, "unless this is death".

The New Yorker

Unless this is corrected, millions of people will die unnecessarily.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Unless this is one of those things they do to throw us off".

The New York Times

"My wife and my girls get nothing unless this is in the line of duty.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Unless this is addressed the future looks bleak for women, regardless of automation.

The Guardian

"However, unless this is an extremely rare case, Tan will be found guilty," he said.

The New York Times

Unless this is carefully thought out it could become a blunt instrument.

The Guardian

"But unless this is done soon, the crisis may spin further out of control".

The New York Times

Unless this is achieved our culture of acceptance will continue to hand out woefully inadequate sentences.

Independent

"Unless this is improved substantially," he said, "undesirable effects in the future are likely to be greater".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unless this is" to introduce a specific condition that needs to be met or considered as an exception to a general statement. For clarity, ensure the condition is clearly defined and relevant to the context.

Common error

Avoid using "unless this is" when the condition is too broad or ambiguous, as this can lead to confusion. Be precise and specific about the condition to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unless this is" functions as a conditional connector, introducing a clause that specifies an exception to a preceding statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct. Examples show its use in various contexts to express contingencies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unless this is" serves as a crucial conditional connector, introducing exceptions to general statements. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse sources. The phrase is most prevalent in News & Media and Science contexts, showcasing its versatility. When using "unless this is", be precise with the condition to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity. Alternatives like "except if this happens" can provide nuanced variations. The many examples of this pattern usage confirm its relevance and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

except if this happens

Replaces "unless" with "except if", emphasizing the conditional nature of the exception.

if this isn't the case

Uses a negative condition to express a similar exception.

save when this occurs

Emphasizes a specific occurrence as the exception.

barring this situation

Highlights the specific situation being an exception.

but not if this is so

Adds a contrasting element to indicate the exception.

other than in this instance

Focuses on the specific instance as the exception.

excluding this possibility

Specifically excludes a certain possibility.

except under these circumstances

Highlights specific circumstances that create an exception.

not counting this scenario

Specifies the scenario that is not being considered.

aside from this condition

Indicates a specific condition as the exception.

FAQs

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

Use "unless this is" to introduce a condition that must be met or considered as an exception. For example, "The project will proceed, "unless this is" deemed financially unviable".

What are some alternatives to "unless this is"?

Alternatives include phrases like "except if this happens", "if this isn't the case", or "save when this occurs", depending on the desired nuance.

Is it always necessary to use a comma before "unless this is"?

While not always grammatically required, a comma before "unless this is" often improves readability, especially when the phrase introduces a significant clause or exception.

What's the difference between "unless this is" and "except if this is"?

"Unless this is" and "except if this is" are largely interchangeable, but "unless" often implies a stronger sense of conditionality. "Except if" may be used when emphasizing a specific exception.