Key Difference: The words Unless and Until are conjunctions in English language. They usually helped to connect the sentences or two statements. We generally use these words interchangeably without knowing exact meanings of them. These two words literally have different meanings. Unless is based on the fulfillment of a said condition. Whereas, until refers to concerned with the time frame of the fulfillment of such a condition. Today, we are going to see the difference between them with proper explanations and examples.
Unless: You will fail in the exam unless you work harder.
Until: I was walking on the street until almost midnight.
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Unless:
It refers to the fulfillment of the condition.
The word Unless is a conjunction. It is refers to “If.” In other words, we can use this word when the condition needs to be satisfied before the task at hand is fulfilled. Let’s see an example to make it clear. Unless a check is signed, it is not considered to be valid. From this statement, we might understand that the check is not valid until it is signed by the appropriate person. Here, we come up with another example for your reference. My baby never cries unless he is hungry. From this statement, we might understand that, someone said that he never cries until he gets hunger.
How Do We Spell the Word Unless?
Phonetics pronunciation of the word Unless is ʌnˈlɛs. And this word sounds like the following audio.
Enunciation:
Syllables are phonological building blocks of words. It divides the words into parts that can help you read words more accurately. Let’s see how to split the word affect using syllables. Learning syllables can also help you to spell words correctly.
- The word “Unless” has two syllables.
- It can be divided as “Un-less.”
Using “Unless” in sentences:
- You will be sick unless you stop eating junk food.
- It is invalid unless you signed it.
- Don’t call me unless it is an emergency.
- You will not win the match unless you work hard.
- I can’t access it, unless you give the password.
Until:
Up to
The term until can be used as both conjunction and preposition. It refers to any action that needs to be done before the deadline. Let us see an example to make it clear. He will not finish the work until his sister helps him. From this statement, we might understand that, someone will not finish the work if his sister didn’t help him. Here, we come up with another example for your reference. She doesn’t arrive until ten. From this statement, we might understand that someone will always arrive at ten.
How Do We Spell the Word Until?
Phonetics pronunciation of the word Until is ənˈtɪl. And this word sounds like the following audio.
Enunciation:
Syllabification refers to the process of division of words into smaller parts. It is commonly known as syllables. With its help, you can easily read and spell the word accurately. Here, you will see how to split the word “Until” by syllables.
- The word “Until” has two syllables.
- It can be divided as “Un-til.”
Using “Until” in sentences:
- You have to wait until tomorrow.
- We cannot stop learning until we die.
- Wait until the food is cooked.
- You can stay here until the shop closed.
- She keeps working hard until she wins the match.
Compare: Unless Vs Until
This table will show you the contradiction between the words Unless and Until.
| Unless | Until | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | It is a conjunction and used to define a condition. | It refers to the specific time of the event. |
| Synonyms | Except if, but not if, if not | Till, up to, prior to, before, through |
| Antonyms | Inspite, despite | Beyond, after |
| Parts of Speech | Conjunction | Conjunction and preposition |
| Etymology | late Middle English: from on or in (assimilated through lack of stress to un-1) + less. | Middle English: from Old Norse und ‘as far as’ + till1 (the sense thus duplicated). |
| Examples | She will not cook well unless she follows her mother words. I can’t reach the top of the mountain, unless use a vehicle. Unless a check is signed, it is invalid. I can’t let you in unless you give the password. | We didn’t know the value of something until it losts. I will show you something but you have to wait until tomorrow. You should wait until the paint has completely dried. Let them wait until dad comes. |
Resources and References:
Resources: Merriam-Webster (Unless, Until), Dictionary.Cambridge (Unless, Until), Collins Dictionary (Unless, Until), Idoceonline.com (Unless, Until)
Reference: Dictionary.Cambridge.org[1], Merriam-Webster.com[2], CollinsDictionary.com[3], Dictionary.com[4].