Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This is a sentence improvement question. The original sentence contains a grammatical error known as a double negative, which also alters the intended logical meaning.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
The conjunction 'unless' is equivalent to 'if ... not'. It already carries a negative meaning. Using another negative word like 'not' or 'don't' in the same clause creates a double negative.
- "Unless you work hard" means "If you do not work hard".
- "Unless you don't work hard" means "If you do not not work hard", which simplifies to "If you work hard".
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The original sentence is "Unless you don't work hard you will not get the job."
Let's analyze the meaning of the underlined part: "Unless you don't work hard" logically means "If you work hard".
So the sentence translates to: "If you work hard, you will not get the job." This is logically nonsensical and is clearly not the intended meaning.
The intended meaning is that failing to work hard will result in not getting the job. This is expressed by the condition "If you do not work hard...".
The word 'unless' means 'if...not'. So, "Unless you work hard" correctly expresses this condition.
The improved sentence should be: "Unless you work hard, you will not get the job."
Let's check the options:
- (A) Unless you work hard: This is the correct replacement.
- (B) If you work hard: This would require changing the main clause to positive: "...you will get the job."
- (C) If you worked hard: This changes the tense and conditionality of the sentence, making it incorrect.
- (D) no improvement is necessary: Incorrect, as the original sentence is flawed.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The phrase "Unless you don't work hard" should be replaced with "Unless you work hard" to correct the double negative and convey the intended meaning. This corresponds to option (A).