Question

I cannot help you solve the problem since you tell me about it.
Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

• A. if
• B. unless
• C. although
• D. NO CHANGE

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

unless

A subordinate clause ("You tell me about it") depends on the main clause ("I cannot help you solve the problem") for its full meaning. To combine these in a sentence, a subordinating conjunction is used. The subordinate clause here is the condition which determines the action in the main clause, the listener should tell the speaker about the problem, only then can the speaker help with it. 'Since' is used for cause-related sentences, (where the subordinate clause is the cause). As the given sentence is conditional, and not cause-related, 'since' is not appropriate and option D is incorrect. 'Unless' is used for conditional sentences, unless means 'except under the circumstances", the 'circumstances' being 'telling the speaker about the problem'. As 'unless' is appropriate in meaning for the sentence, option B is correct. 'If' is also used for conditional sentences, but isn't relevant to the sentence in meaning, 'if' means 'supposing', and the meaning of the sentence changes to 'if you tell me about the problem, i can't help you', hence option A is incorrect. 'Although' is used for contrast or concession-related sentences, where the clauses are opposite or contrast in meaning to one another. As the given sentence is not contrast-related, but conditional, option C is incorrect.