Question

Fill in the blank with the most suitable correlative conjunctions:
_______ it’s raining, I think I’ll stay at home.
a. As long as
b. Because of
c. Despite of
d. On the other hand

Answer 1

Hint: Correlative conjunctions connect two similar grammatical entities. They are used in pairs such as either-or, as-as, neither-nor, etc. For example, Sara is either too clever or too dumb.

Complete answer:
From the hint given to us, we understand the meaning of correlative conjunctions. Let us analyse the given options to find the correct answer.
a. ‘As long as’ uses the correlative conjunction, as-as. It expresses a condition. We observe that it correctly fits the context of the given sentence. Hence, we can say that option ‘a’ is the correct answer.
b. ‘Because of’ is not a correlative conjunction. It is used to indicate a cause. For example, Sara arrived late because of the traffic jam. We observe that it does not correctly fit the context of the given sentence. Hence, we can say that option ‘b’ is not the correct answer.
c. ‘Despite of’ is not a correlative conjunction. ‘Despite’ does not require to be followed by the preposition ‘of’ and thus, we can say that option ‘c’ is not the correct answer.
d. ‘On the other hand’ is not correlative conjunction but a prepositional phrase. It is used to express a contrast. For example, Sara was very bright, but on the other hand, her friends were not. We observe that it does not correctly fit the context of the given sentence. Hence, we can say that option ‘d’ is not the correct answer.
Thus, the correct answer is option ‘a’ - ‘as long as’.

Note: It is to be noted that only coordinating and correlative conjunctions can be used at the beginning of a sentence. Such questions require a clear understanding of the conjunctions. Conjunctions are used to join two words, phrases, clauses or sentences.