Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word.
I’ve been short of money ________ I bought a new house.
a) although
b) when
c) because of
d) ever since

Answer 1

Hint: The given sentence tells us that the reason that the subject is short of money could have something to do with the fact that the subject bought a new house.

Complete answer:
The sentence is structured in such a way that the meaning inferred becomes that the person is short of money due to them buying the new house.

An adverb is a word or an expression that modifies a verb, adjective, another adverb, determiner, clause, preposition, or sentence. Adverbs typically express manner, place, time, frequency, degree, level of certainty, etc. It is a word that modifies (describes) a verb (he sings loudly), an adjective (very tall), another adverb (ended too quickly), or even a whole sentence (Fortunately, I had brought an umbrella). Adverbs often end in -ly, but some (such as fast) look exactly the same as their adjective counterparts.

In the given sentence, we need an adverb that modifies the verb ‘bought’.
Now, we know what we are looking for. Let’s look at the given options-
a) although - The word ‘although’ refers to ‘in spite of the fact that; even though'. This makes the meaning of the sentence different. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
b) when - The word ‘when’ refers to ‘at what time’. This makes the meaning of the sentence different. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
c) because of - This phrase is grammatically incorrect if used with the given sentence. This makes the meaning of the sentence different. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
d) ever since - This phrase indicates reason. This does not make the meaning of the sentence different. This is the required answer. So, this is the correct option.

Note:
Try to understand the meaning of the given sentence. Then, try to find the correct adverb. Try to use the adverb and choose the most appropriate option accordingly.