Choose the most appropriate option to fill in the blank in the given sentence:
My daughter probably thinks I am making up the stories about my childhood although she _____says so and continues to listen patiently.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → never
Adverb of frequency after "although":
- Never means at no time.
- "Although" sets up a contrast: the speaker thinks the daughter doubts the stories, yet the daughter does not say so and goes on listening patiently. Only never gives this contrast, and it explains why the speaker can only say "probably".
- Complete sentence: My daughter probably thinks I am making up the stories about my childhood although she never says so and continues to listen patiently.
Example: He never complains, though his job is hard.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: frequently — Incorrect. Frequently means often; if she often said so, there would be no contrast with "although", and the speaker would know rather than "probably" think.
Example: He frequently travels to Delhi.
Option 2: always — Incorrect. Always means at all times; it has the same problem as "frequently" and clashes with "listen patiently".
Example: She always reaches school on time.
Option 4: categorically — Incorrect. Categorically means firmly and without any doubt; "categorically says so" would remove the doubt in "probably thinks".
Example: The minister categorically denied the charge.