Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

We cannot quote a price ........... we are allowed to examine the sample.

unless

The most appropriate option to fill in the blank is unless.

The word "unless" means "except if" or "only if". In this case, we cannot quote a price unless we are allowed to examine the sample.

The other options are incorrect.

• Except means "excluding" or "not including". It is not the correct word to use in this sentence because we are not excluding the possibility of quoting a price.
• Because means "for the reason that". It is not the correct word to use in this sentence because we are not giving a reason for not being able to quote a price.
• Whether means "if" or "whether or not". It is not the correct word to use in this sentence because we are not asking a question.