unless otherwise

[blouen]

How do we use "unless otherwise"?

[Hi_there_Carl]

Example of use:

Do not talk unless otherwise instructed.

You might say "Do not talk unless instructed." is the same but I don't think the meaning would not be as clear. Do you mean that once I have been instructed I may talk or that I am not to talk unless you instruct me to talk?

[blouen]

Originally Posted by Hi_there_Carl

Example of use:

Do not talk unless otherwise instructed.

You might say "Do not talk unless instructed." is the same but I don't think the meaning would not be as clear. Do you mean that once I have been instructed I may talk or that I am not to talk unless you instruct me to talk?

Could you please give more elaborations.
I still find it unclear, could you please give more examples.
Thanks!

[Hi_there_Carl]

The meanings of "unless" and "unless otherwise" are very similar and often the same. The phrase "unless otherwise" is usually used in giving instructions to make them more clear.

Here are some equivalent phrases using unless and unless otherwise:

Unless Otherwise
You may smoke unless otherwise instructed.
Unless otherwise instructed, please remain seated.
Unless you are told otherwise, you may take photographs.

Unless
You may smoke unless instructed not to smoke.
Unless instructed to stand, please remain seated.
Unless you are told not to, you may take photographs.

[blouen]

Originally Posted by Hi_there_Carl

The meanings of "unless" and "unless otherwise" are very similar and often the same. The phrase "unless otherwise" is usually used in giving instructions to make them more clear.

Here are some equivalent phrases using unless and unless otherwise:

Unless Otherwise
You may smoke unless otherwise instructed.
Unless otherwise instructed, please remain seated.
Unless you are told otherwise, you may take photographs.

Unless
You may smoke unless instructed not to smoke.
Unless instructed to stand, please remain seated.
Unless you are told not to, you may take photographs.

You may smoke unless otherwise instructed.
You may smoke unless instructed not to smoke.
*** Unless otherwise somewhat sums up the other phrase opposite to the first condition.
I wonder if I get this right.

You can smoke "unless otherwise told"/"unless told not to smoke."
then :
Unless "otherwise" = the opposite of "You can smoke"