GRAMMAR RESOURCE · CHAPTER 36 · PART D

Sentence Completion and Connectors

Complete sentences by combining grammar, meaning, collocation and logical connectors instead of guessing from isolated words.

Estimated study time: 12–18 minutes · 5 lesson sections · 15 practice questions with explanations

Your learning path

1. LearnRead the rules and examples carefully.
2. PractiseAnswer all 15 questions before revealing the key.
3. ReviewExplain each mistake and write a new example.

Learning objectives

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to explain the rules, recognise the target forms in context, avoid common errors and apply the patterns to new sentences.

1. Read for logic first

Before choosing an option, decide whether the second idea gives a reason, result, contrast, condition, purpose or concession. Then test the grammar of the connector.

The road was flooded; therefore, we took another route.

2. Match connector grammar

Although/even though introduce clauses; despite/in spite of are followed by noun or gerund phrases. Because introduces a reason clause; because of introduces a noun phrase.

Although it rained, we played. / Despite the rain, we played.

3. Check verb form and parallel clues

A sentence blank may test tense, agreement, a preposition, an infinitive or a gerund as well as meaning. Read both sides of the blank to see which structure is required.

She succeeded because she worked consistently.

4. Avoid connector redundancy

Do not use two markers that express the same relation unnecessarily, such as because…so in one clause pattern. Use correct punctuation with however and therefore.

Correct: It was late; however, we continued.

5. A four-step completion strategy

(1) Read the full sentence. (2) Predict the relationship. (3) Eliminate options with the wrong grammar. (4) Reread the completed sentence for meaning and punctuation.

Even though he was tired, he continued working.

Guided practice

Try each item first without checking the answers. Afterward, open the key and read the explanation for every uncertain answer.

  1. The weather was severe; ___, the match was postponed. (therefore / although)
  2. ___ she was nervous, she delivered a clear speech. (Although / Because of)
  3. ___ the heavy rain, the match continued. (Despite / Although)
  4. He failed ___ he had not prepared. (because / despite)
  5. She studied hard ___ she could pass the examination. (so that / however)
  6. The plan is affordable; ___, it may take too long. (however / because)
  7. Correct: “Because he was ill, so he stayed home.”
  8. Complete: Unless you leave now, you ___ the bus. (will miss / would miss)
  9. She is not only intelligent ___ also hardworking. (but / and)
  10. He spoke quietly ___ nobody would wake up. (so that / although)
  11. Choose the correct form: In spite of ___ late, she apologised. (being / she was)
  12. The evidence was incomplete; ___, the panel delayed its decision. (consequently / whereas)
  13. Choose the best completion: The more carefully you check, ___ errors you make. (the fewer / fewer the)
  14. He missed the train ___ he left home late. (because / although)
  15. Which is the best strategy for a connector blank?
Show answer key and explanations
  1. therefore — The second clause is the result of the severe weather.
  2. Although — Although introduces a full clause with subject and verb.
  3. Despite — Despite is followed by a noun phrase, the heavy rain.
  4. because — Because introduces the reason clause.
  5. so that — So that introduces purpose.
  6. however — However introduces a contrast.
  7. Because he was ill, he stayed home. / He was ill, so he stayed home. — Avoid using because and so together for the same clause relation.
  8. will miss — Unless expresses a realistic condition; the result uses will here.
  9. but — The paired connector is not only…but also.
  10. so that — The clause gives the purpose of speaking quietly.
  11. being — In spite of takes a noun phrase or gerund phrase, not a finite clause.
  12. consequently — Consequently signals the result.
  13. the fewer — The…the comparative pattern requires the before both comparative parts.
  14. because — Leaving late is the cause of missing the train.
  15. Identify the logical relation, check the grammar, then reread the whole sentence. — A correct answer must fit both the meaning and the grammatical structure.

Learning reflection

Retention tip: Review your mistakes tomorrow, then again after three days and one week. Write one new example for each rule you missed.

Continue your study

For stronger learning, connect this lesson to the next chapter and the quiz library. Return to this page when a quiz reveals a weak area.

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Editorial note: Some conventions vary by dialect, context and examination syllabus. Where relevant, follow the standard specified by your course or exam board.