Conditional exceptions (a menos que, salvo que)

Making conditional plans with "a menos que"

To express "unless" when making plans, use a menos que. Because it introduces a hypothetical exception—an event that might or might not happen—it always requires the subjunctive.

We will organize the picnic, unless it rains.
Organizaremos el picnic, a menos que llueva.
I will play pool, unless you are busy.
Jugaré al billar, a menos que estés ocupado.
We will go to your favorite nightclub, unless you prefer mine.
Iremos a tu discoteca favorita, a menos que prefieras la mía.

Stating exceptions with "salvo que"

Salvo que is another common way to say "unless." It works exactly like a menos que and also requires the subjunctive.

Tomorrow we will make the barbecue, unless you have a terrible hangover.
Mañana haremos la parrillada, salvo que tengas una resaca terrible.
We will not travel together, unless our availability coincides.
No viajaremos juntos, salvo que coincida nuestra disponibilidad.

Setting conditions for negative plans

You can also use these phrases when the main plan is negative. The grammar remains the same.

They will not go bowling, unless you go.
Ellos no irán a los bolos, a menos que tú vayas.
We will not see each other today, unless we coincide at the pool hall.
No nos veremos hoy, salvo que coincidamos en el billar.