Question

Fill in the blank with the most suitable conjunction:
The magic show was cancelled; _____, we went to see the movie instead.
(a)but
(b)and
(c)since
(d)therefore

Answer 1

Hint: In the given sentence, a consequence is implied. There is a very specific conjunction which can help to convey the implied meaning. Only one option can complete the sentence.

Complete answer:A conjunction is a word used to connect clauses or
sentences or to coordinate words in the same clause (e.g. and, but, if ).
These words are used to take two separate sentences and combine them to make one
sentence. They are usually placed in the middle of the two sentences. However, some
conjunctions are placed at the beginning of the sentence. For example, ‘as’ or ‘since’ are
usually placed at the beginning of the sentence: ‘As the performance had already started,
we went up to the balcony and occupied some empty seats there’.

In the given sentence, the first action was cancelled, as a result they went to see a movie. So, we clearly need a conjunction that implies consequence.
Now, we know what we are looking for. Let’s go through the available options:
(a)but - The word ‘but’ refers to ‘used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned'. This word does not fit into the context of the given sentence, and it does not imply consequence. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
(b)and - The word ‘and’ refers to ‘used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly'. This word does not fit into the context of the given sentence, and it does not imply consequence. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
(c)since - The word ‘since’ refers to ‘from a time in the past until the time under consideration, typically the present'. This word does not fit into the context of the given sentence, and it does not imply consequence. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
(d)therefore - The word ‘therefore’ refers to ‘for that reason; consequently’. This word fits into the context of the given sentence, and it implies consequence. This is the required answer. So, this is the correct option.

Note:The given sentence needs a clear result of the actions, which is missing. Go through each option carefully to make sure that you choose the grammatically correct option.