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Whillie2000 Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
Not Unless
I've always been hearing some people using the term "NOT UNLESS". I've always been trying to rationalize the correctness of the phrase but my mind doesn't stop coming at a conclusion that the phrase is double negative. Not + Un (NOT) less makes the double negative. Are the people I've been hearing correct in using the phrase. I hope I could get a response that would clear out my confusion. Thanks.
Top answer
Hello Welcome to this Forum. "Not unless" is often spoken in a context like below. " B: "No, (it's) not (illegal) unless you sell it" paco
- Hello Welcome to this Forum.
- "Not unless" is often spoken in a context like below.
- " B: "No, (it's) not (illegal) unless you sell it" paco
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2 Answers
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Hello
Welcome to this Forum.
"Not unless" is often spoken in a context like below. Actually it is "it is not, unless …."
A: "Is recording a movie on the DVD for your TV illegal?"
B: "No, (it's) not (illegal) unless you sell it"
paco
Welcome to this Forum.
"Not unless" is often spoken in a context like below. Actually it is "it is not, unless …."
A: "Is recording a movie on the DVD for your TV illegal?"
B: "No, (it's) not (illegal) unless you sell it"
paco
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Yes it does seem to be a double negative, but it's generally used to make sentences shorter
Example:
D: Can I watch TV?
M: You can't watch TV unless you do your homework first
Example:
D: Can I watch TV?
M: Not unless you do your homework first
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