What is the function of the underlined word in the following sentence? i don't want to go to the lecture unless you go with me. a. to describe the lecture b. to connect two ideas c. to explain when the lecture will be held d. to separate two ideas

The function of the word unless is to connect two ideas. Unless is being used to connect the idea that the speaker doesn't want to go to the lecture, but will go if his audience goes with him.

Conjunctions

Unless is a conjunction. A conjunction is a part of speech that is used to connect ideas. More specifically unless is a subordinating conjunction because it begins a subordinate clause. This means that unless modifies the main part of the sentence in that it gives a condition. The condition given here is that someone must go with the speaker, if the speaker is going to attend the lecture.

Adjectives

Adjectives describe nouns. Unless does not specifically describe any noun, including the lecture. Therefore, option A is incorrect.

Adverb

Adverbs modify verbs. They tell how, when, why, or to what extent something will happen. In this sentence, unless is creating a condition, not saying when. Therefore option C is incorrect. C is also incorrect because unless is only putting a condition on the speaker's attendance on the lecture not when it will be held.

Punctuation

Punctuation such as commas, semicolons, and periods are used to separate ideas. Even though conjunctions can be used to show how two ideas are dissimilar, they connect the ideas in a sentence to show their dissimilarities. Punctuation is the only tool that is often used to put a stop to one idea before another starts. The degree of separation between ideas depends on the type of punctuation used.

Subject: English

Level: High School

Chapter: Grammar

Parts of Speech

Unless as a Conjunction