Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
He decided to postpone the meeting ______ several team members had informed him that they would not be able to attend on time.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → since
Conjunction of reason:
- Since, used as a conjunction, can mean because: it introduces the reason for the action in the main clause.
- This sentence: the team members' message that they could not attend on time is the reason for postponing the meeting, so "since" joins the two parts.
- Complete sentence: He decided to postpone the meeting since several team members had informed him that they would not be able to attend on time.
Example: Since it was raining, we stayed indoors.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: though — Incorrect. Though means in spite of the fact that and shows contrast; the sentence needs a reason.
Example: Though he was tired, he finished the work.
Option 3: yet — Incorrect. Yet joins two contrasting ideas; the postponement follows from the message, it does not contrast with it.
Example: He is rich, yet he is unhappy.
Option 4: unless — Incorrect. Unless means if not and states a condition; the members had already informed him, so the clause gives a reason, not a condition.
Example: You will miss the bus unless you hurry.
Contrast: "since" gives a reason, "though" and "yet" show a contrast, and "unless" sets a condition.