IF VS UNLESS

Question

Dear teachers,

Do you see any difference in meaning between:

I'll be back by the weekend, unless there is a train strike.
and
I'll be back by the weekend, if the train drivers aren't on strike.

Does unless suggest that the action is unlikely to happen,
whether if suggests that the action may happen ?

Many thanks,
Hela

Marius Hancu · Accepted Answer

as you can see, unless=if ... not in some circumstances

unless
1 : under any other circumstance than that : except on the condition
that : if ... not<would have been destroyed unless a regiment ... had
been sent -- J.J.Chapman> <modern man is obsolete ... unless he can
stop world wars -- Stuart Chase> <no person shall be convicted of
treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses -- U.S. Constitution>

but I much more prefer the first version here.

BarbaraPA · Answer

I don't think that "unless" implies more or less certainty than saying if... not. I tried thinking of it with the negation on the unless side as well.

I'll come visit if you if I have enough money for gas to me, anyway, seems equally probable as I'll come visit you unless I don't have enough money for gas.

However, we may hear from others who suggest that "unless" carries a more likely condition than "if....not" (or the other way around).

Clive · Answer

Hi guys,

I agree that the standard interpretation is similar or even identical in both cases. However, is there a logical difference?

I'll be back by the weekend, unless there is a train strike. This says clearly that a train strike will prevent my being back.

I'll be back by the weekend, if the train drivers aren't on strike. This almost always means the same as the above. However, does it explicitly say that a train strike will prevent my return? How about this slightly strained, but not impossible, dialogue? -

A: It's really important that you are back by the weekend. I'm worried that a train strike will cause problems.

B: Look, don't worry. I'll be back, if they are on strike. I'll be back, if they are not on strike. It makes no difference to me, because I'm going to go in my car.

Best wishes, Clive

IF VS UNLESS

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