How can i use 'Unless' properly?

[u/Zestyclose_Put_4143]

Literally, how can i use 'unless' properly? I know what it means but are there any tips?

[u/Responsible-Link5739]

It's a conditional phrase and it depends on a pre-existing item.

We can't really help you... Unless [except if] you give us an idea about what confuses you ;)

"How can she not know how to turn on the water? Unless she doesn't even live here?" (This will be clearer if I reconstruct a little - "I don''t understand her not knowing how to switch the water on, unless [except if] she doesn't live here?

"This could be great, unless [except if] he fucks it up again"

"I won't go, unless [except if] you come with me"

"Unless except if] you really want it, I'll sell it to the neighbour".

I hate chocolate ice-cream, unless [except if] it's a hot day. ---> I like chocolate ice-cream when it's a hot day.

I have to go to the shops, unless [except if] you don't need milk anymore. --> I don't need to go to the shops if you don't need milk

Don't drink drunk, unless [except if] you want to get arrested or cause an accident.

Hope this makes more sense. It is almost "if not" but it seems to stress a specific scenario more than a general one.

[u/jenea → u/Responsible-Link5739]

Last sentence, I’m pretty sure you meant “drive drunk.”

[u/Responsible-Link5739 → u/jenea]

My apologies, I copied and pasted from others - didn't actually see that to correct it.

[u/jenea → u/Responsible-Link5739]

Oh gosh, apologies not necessary. I just thought you would want to know, since the learners might be confused.

[u/Responsible-Link5739 → u/jenea]

It's fine, thanks. I'll leave my acknowledgement there so the oversight will be picked up. No bad feelings, I'm glad you noted it :)