Complete the sentence with the most appropriate option from the given phrases:
Although Ram finished the task well before time___________to anyone.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → yet he didn't disclose it
"Although ... yet" (contrast):
- Although introduces a contrast: what the main clause says is not what one would expect.
- In formal usage, "although" or "though" can be followed by yet at the start of the main clause. "Yet" (meaning "in spite of that") stresses the contrast.
- Deciding clue: "Although" at the start: finishing the task well before time is something one would normally tell others about, yet Ram told no one. The contrast needs "yet".
- Complete sentence: Although Ram finished the task well before time, yet he didn't disclose it to anyone.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: and he didn't disclose it — Incorrect. And only adds one fact to another. It cannot answer the contrast that "although" sets up.
Example: He sang and she danced.
Option 2: so he didn't disclose it — Incorrect. So shows a result. Finishing early is not the reason for keeping quiet, and "although ... so" contradicts itself.
Example: It was raining, so we stayed indoors.
Option 3: still he didn't disclose it — Incorrect. Still (nevertheless) also shows contrast, but it is not the partner word of "although". It is normally used after a full stop, a semicolon or "and".
Example: The road was flooded; still, the bus reached on time.
Contrast: "although" is answered by "yet" (contrast). "And" only adds a fact, and "so" shows a result.