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Tomomi
What does 'Not unless' mean?
What does 'Not unless' mean?
The sentence is below.
'Shall I tell Liz what happened?' 'Not unless she asks you.'
Is 'Not unless' meaning of 'No, unless...'?
If so, why is it used 'Not'?
Thanks in advance!
Feb 28, 2015 4:16 AM
Answers · 5
1
Yes, "Not unless" means the same as "No, unless." The sentence "No, unless she asks you" would be well-understood.
"Not unless" is a shorter way to say "You should not, unless"; and the sentence "You should not, unless she asks you" would also be correct here.
However when two people are speaking, it is not necessary to specify the other person as "you", so English speakers usually drop that word. Using a longer version would sound less natural to an English-speaking listener; but the sentence would still be understood.
Another time English speakers drop the word "you" is in imperative sentences, commands, such as "Do not tease the cat."
February 28, 2015
Thank you for your comment^^
February 28, 2015
Synonymous expression: "only if."
February 28, 2015
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Tomomi
Language Skills
English, Japanese
Learning Language
English
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