Is Unless A Conjunction? 3 Facts(When, How & Examples)

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Words that are used as connectors can be regarded as conjunctions. In this article, we will be addressing the question whether the word “unless” is a conjunction.

The word “unless” is a conjunction as it aids in connecting or linking a dependent clause (subordinate clause) with that of an independent clause (main clause).  Any word that aids in connecting two or more words, clauses, phrases, or sentences fall under the part of speech “conjunctions”. 

With the some interesting facts and examples, let us explore further on the usage of the word “unless” as a conjunction.

When is “unless” a conjunction?

We already know that the word “unless” can be a conjunction, here, let us get to know when (at what places), “unless” can be a conjunction.

“Unless” is a conjunction when it connects two clauses. In this usage, the action in one clause will take place only if the action in other clause does not take place. “Unless” denotes a condition and can be placed in the beginning or in the middle of a sentence depending on the subordinate clause’s position.

Position of “unless” in the sentenceExamplesExplanations
1. Beginning of the sentenceUnless I feed her, she will not eat her food.Subordinate Clause: unless I feed her
Main Clause: she will not eat her food

Here, the conjunction “unless” is present in the beginning of the sentence as the subordinate clause is placed before the main clause.

“Unless” here is used to say that she will eat her food, only if “I” feed her.
2. Middle of the sentenceRuhi will not sleep unless you tell her a bedtime story.Main Clause: Ruhi will not sleep
Subordinate Clause: unless you tell her a bedtime story

Here, the conjunction “unless” is present in the middle of the sentence as the subordinate clause is placed after the main clause.

“Unless” here is used to say that Ruhi will sleep, only if “you” tell her a bedtime story.
When is “unless” a conjunction

How is “unless” a subordinating conjunction?

With different types of conjunctions present in English language, the word “unless” falls under subordinating conjunction category. Let us find out the reason for that.

The word “unless” is a subordinating conjunction because it is utilized to introduce a subordinating clause (dependent clause). It helps to connect the dependent clause with the main clause of a sentence. Any conjunction that introduces a dependent clause falls under the subordinating conjunction category.

Example: Unless you complete your homework, you cannot go for playing.

  • Subordinate Clause: unless you complete your homework
  • Main Clause: you cannot go for playing
  • Subordinating Conjunction: unless

In the above sentence, the word “unless” is a subordinating conjunction since it is introducing the dependent clause “unless you complete your homework”. It also aids in connecting this clause with the independent clause.

Examples of “unless” as a conjunction

We can have a better understanding about the conjunction “unless” with the aid of some examples and related explanations.

The table below consists of sentences in which the word “unless” is utilized as a conjunction.

ExamplesExplanations
1. Unless you learn every day, you will not be able to score good marks in your final tests.Subordinate Clause: unless you learn everyday
Main Clause: you will not be able to score good marks in your final test

Here, the word “unless” is performing the role of a conjunction as it is introducing the sub clause thereby connecting it with the main clause.

“Unless” here is used to convey that “you” will be able to score good marks in fail tests, only if “you” learn every day.
2. Let us not contact the manager, unless it is an urgent and important matter.Main Clause: Let us not contact the manager
Subordinate Clause: unless it is an urgent and important matter.

Here, the word “unless” is taking up the role of a conjunction as it is introducing the sub clause thereby joining it with the independent clause.

“Unless” here is used to convey that we will contact the manager, only if there is something urgent and important.
3. Do not take any tablets, unless it is prescribed by a doctor.Main Clause: do not take any tablets
Subordinate Clause: unless it is prescribed by a doctor

Here, the word “unless” is used as a conjunction as it is introducing the subordinate clause thereby linking it with the independent clause to form a single sentence.


“Unless” here is used to tell us that we should take tablets, only if it is prescribed by a doctor. Else we should not take it.
4. Unless we find a proof against her, we cannot prove her wrong.Subordinate Clause: unless we find a proof against her
Main Clause: we cannot prove her wrong

In this sentence, the word “unless” is functioning as a conjunction as it is utilized to introduce the sub clause and thereby linking it with the main clause to form a single sentence.

“Unless” here is used to convey that we can prove her wrong, only if we find a proof against her.
5. The students will not stop coming late to the class, unless they are punished.Main Clause: the students will not stop coming late to the class
Subordinate Clause: unless they are punished

Here, the word “unless” is performing the function of a conjunction as it is introducing the subordinate clause thereby linking it with the main clause to form a single sentence.

“Unless” here is used to convey to us that the students will stop coming late to the class,  only if, they are punished
Examples of “unless” as conjunction

Conclusion

Thus from this article, we came to know that the conjunction “unless” is a subordinating conjunction of condition and it is used to connect clauses that depicts a condition for the actions to take place or not to take place.