When outlining strict safety protocols—like those for underground caving (la spéléologie)—you will often need to state what will happen unless a precaution is taken.
With an Infinitive
To express a negative condition ("unless"), use à moins de followed by an infinitive. This structure works when both actions share the same subject, or when stating a general rule.
| The helmet is mandatory in caving, unless you stay outside. | Le casque est obligatoire en spéléologie, à moins de rester dehors. |
| You are going to fall into the chasm, unless you secure your harness. | Tu vas tomber dans le gouffre, à moins de fixer ton baudrier. |
As always, de contracts to d' before a vowel or silent h.
| Do not venture into this cave, unless you are very experienced. | Ne t'aventure pas dans cette grotte, à moins d'être très expérimenté. |
With a Noun
You can also place a noun directly after à moins de to mean "unless there is" or "barring" a specific event.
| We are about to go down, unless there is a problem. | Nous sommes sur le point de descendre, à moins d'un problème. |
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