Question

Fill in the blank with the most suitable option:

Unless he _____________ this office, I will not say anything.

• A. Left
• B. Did not leave
• C. Leaves
• D. Had left

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Leaves

'Unless' is the equivalent of 'if...not'. The given sentence means 'If/till he doesn't leave this office (immediately), I will not say anything.'

Option C: The given sentence is a type 1 conditional, as it states the main clause in future tense 'I will not say anything'. When the main clause is in future tense, the 'unless' clause is in simple present.

'Leaves' is a simple present tense verb and is hence suitable for the given conditional sentence. So, option C is correct.

Options A, B and D: 'Left' and 'did not leave' are in simple past tense. They are used in a type 2 conditional. 'Had left' expresses past perfect tense, used in a type 3 conditional.

They are not suitable for the given type 1 conditional.

Hence options A, B and D are wrong.