unless told otherwise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'unless told otherwise' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a sentence when you want to express a condition in which something cannot take place unless it is contradicted by a different statement. For example: "I plan to attend the meeting, unless told otherwise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"Unless told otherwise".

The Guardian - Sport

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

The Guardian - Travel

The CDC's move last week exasperated some environmental and public health advocates, who see the issue as an increasingly urgent one and argue that the agency should have gone forward with the summit unless told otherwise by the Trump administration.

The Washington Post

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

BBC

Dack did confirm he would not be joining Edinburgh at Gillingham whatever happens and pledged to stay at the club until at least the end of the season, "unless told otherwise," by the club.

BBC

Unless told otherwise, it never hurts to have fan mail arrive at the admissions office.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 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

Maddy French, Vienna Restaurants Service is almost always included, and you can safely assume it is unless expressly told otherwise.

The Guardian - Money

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

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unless told otherwise" to set a default action or expectation, making it clear that this is the plan unless explicitly changed. This is especially useful in instructions or protocols where clarity is essential.

Common error

Ensure that when using "unless told otherwise", the alternative instruction is clear and easily accessible. Vague or hard-to-find exceptions can lead to confusion and errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unless told otherwise" serves as a conditional exception. It introduces a condition that, if met, overrides a preceding statement or instruction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

35%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unless told otherwise" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to express that a particular action should be followed by default, except when specific instructions indicate a different course. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage. It's most frequently found in news, general instructions, and scientific contexts. While alternatives exist to adjust the formality, the phrase is widely understood and suitable for various situations. To avoid ambiguity, ensure that exceptions are clear and easily accessible. This phrase effectively sets expectations while allowing for necessary deviations based on further directions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without being told differently

Directly states that the action continues unless there's a specific communication to change it.

unless otherwise notified

Highlights the importance of being notified if there's a change, placing emphasis on the communication aspect.

except when informed differently

Directly indicates a deviation based on receiving alternative information.

unless explicitly directed

Highlights that the alternate instruction must be very clear and direct.

absent contrary instructions

Replaces "unless told otherwise" with a more formal and concise phrase focusing on the lack of opposing instructions.

if not instructed otherwise

Rephrases the condition using "if not," making it slightly more straightforward.

without specific direction

Emphasizes the absence of particular guidance or orders, offering a slightly different perspective on the condition.

in the absence of contrary advice

More formal and emphasizes that the advice given stands unless contradicted.

barring further notice

Suggests the current situation or plan continues until new information or a change is communicated.

save for other instructions

Uses "save for" to introduce the exception, highlighting that the initial plan holds unless superseded.

FAQs

How do I use "unless told otherwise" in a sentence?

Use "unless told otherwise" to indicate a default action or assumption that holds true /s/without+specific+direction unless there's a specific instruction to the contrary. Example: "Please submit your reports by Friday, unless told otherwise."

What's a more formal way to say "unless told otherwise"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "absent contrary instructions" or "unless otherwise notified". These options are suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is it okay to use "unless told otherwise" in professional emails?

Yes, "unless told otherwise" is perfectly acceptable in professional emails. It provides a clear and concise way to communicate expectations while allowing for exceptions. Just ensure the context is clear.

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

"Unless told otherwise" implies a general expectation that can be altered by any instruction. "Unless explicitly directed" suggests that any alteration must be a direct and clear command.