Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate conjunction.
I don’t know whether he appeared for the test _ _ _ _ _ not.
a) Or
b) Nor
c) That
d) And

Answer 1

Hint: ‘Whether’ is used as a function word to introduce the first of two or more alternatives. In the given sentence we have two situations. Accordingly, choose the conjunction which is most appropriate as per the given situation.

Complete answer:
In the given sentence we have two situations one is that the person referred to in the sentence appeared for the test and the other is that this person did not appear for the test. When whether is used in a sentence, and we have a choice between two alternatives, and one must be chosen, we use the conjunction ‘or’. Thus, option a ‘or’ is the correct answer.
Option b ‘nor’ is used when two choices are given and neither of them must be chosen. For example, “Neither him nor his sister were present in the family gathering.” Also, ‘nor’ is used with neither in a sentence. ‘Neither’ is followed by ‘nor’. This is not the case here. Thus, option ‘b’ is incorrect.
Option c ‘that’ conjunction is used to introduce a that-clause. The that-clause can be the subject or object of the sentence. So, that is followed by a subordinate clause. Here it is not the case as the blank is only followed by ‘not’. Thus, option ‘c’ is incorrect.
Option d ‘and’ is a conjunction that is used when two or more than two nouns are used in a sentence. In the case of two nouns, ‘and’ is used to include both the nouns. For example, “You and I will go to the seminar tomorrow.” This is not the case here. So, option ‘d’ is incorrect too.

Note:
The given conjunctions are used when we have two alternatives but, take care of the rules followed when using them. For example, ‘and’ is used when two or more than two alternatives must be taken into account and either accepted or rejected. Similarly, not is used when neither precedes it in the sentence. Through this way, we can choose the appropriate conjunction.