Question

Select the appropriate word to fill in the blank:
Rahul thought he had a good chance to get the job ________ his uncle was on the company's board of directors.

• A. but
• B. yet
• C. since
• D. unless

Hint:

“Since” has two major functions:
1. Time: indicating duration from a past point (since 1990).
2. Cause: functioning as a synonym for because given that.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
Conjunctions function as vital cohesive ties in complex discourse. When explaining the rationale, premise, or motivational belief behind a person's expectation, causal subordinators such as since, as, or because are deployed. The conjunction “since” specifically introduces a known fact or circumstance that serves as the basis or justification for a deduction or assumption made in the main clause.

Step 1: Evaluation of the Options:
- (A) But: A coordinating adversative conjunction introducing a contradiction, exception, or contrast; unfitting because having an uncle on the board supports, rather than contradicts, his optimism.
- (B) Yet: An adversative conjunction synonymous with “nevertheless”; creates an incorrect conflict between the clauses.
- (C) Since: A subordinating conjunction denoting “inasmuch as”, “because”, or “given that”; it correctly provides the reason for Rahul's confidence.
- (D) Unless: A conditional negative conjunction meaning “except if”; illogically suggests he would have a good chance only if his uncle were not on the board.

Step 2: Contextual Synthesis:
The presence of Rahul's uncle on the board of directors is the explicit reason for his belief that he had a good chance to secure the employment. “Since” seamlessly supplies this explanatory link.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct conjunction is “since”, corresponding to Option (C).