Question

Transform the below sentence without changing its meaning by using the conditional word - if:
I cannot lose weight unless I control my diet.

• A. I can lose weight only if I control my diet.
• B. I cannot lose weight if I control my diet.
• C. If I lose weight, I can control my diet.
• D. If and unless I cannot control my diet, I cannot lose weight.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

I can lose weight only if I control my diet.

The word 'unless' is used in the place of "If ...not".

The given sentence can be restated as: I cannot lose weight if I do not control my diet.

It can also be restated as: I can lose weight only if I control my diet. This is stated in option A. Hence, this is the correct answer.

Options B is incorrect as it conveys a meaning which is opposite of the meaning of the given sentence.

You may note that as per the original statement, losing weight is dependent on controlling the diet. In option C, this is reversed. So, this option is incorrect.

Option D is grammatically incorrect as both the words- 'If' and 'unless' are used in the same sentence. This sentence conveys no meaning.