Complete the 12 sentences below. Choose the best answer for each one.
1The team prepared the proposal carefully; ..............., the client still asked for major changes.
Wrong!
Use "however" to introduce a contrast with the previous statement.
2............... the heavy rain, the organisers decided to continue the outdoor concert.
Wrong!
Use "despite" before a noun phrase when the result is surprising or contrasts with the situation.
3The committee postponed its decision ............... the figures were incomplete.
Wrong!
Use "because" before a full clause with a subject and verb.
4The software update failed twice, ............... the IT team restored the previous version.
Wrong!
Use "so" to link a cause to its result.
5The company hired an external consultant ............... improve its customer service.
Wrong!
Use "in order to" before the base form of a verb to express purpose.
6We simplified the application form ............... new staff could follow each step.
Wrong!
Use "so that" before a clause with a subject and verb to express purpose or intended result.
7............... being highly qualified, Maya was not offered the senior role.
Wrong!
Use "despite" before a noun phrase or -ing phrase, not before a full finite clause.
8The apartment is close to the station. ..............., the rent includes heating and internet.
Wrong!
Use "Moreover" to add another supporting point to the previous one.
9Demand fell sharply in the second quarter. ..............., the factory reduced its production schedule.
Wrong!
Use "Consequently" to show that the second statement is the result of the first.
10Leo prefers documentaries, ............... his brother usually watches science fiction.
Wrong!
Use "whereas" to contrast two facts within one sentence.
11The online system is expensive to maintain, ............... it offers good security.
Wrong!
Use "while" before a full clause when you contrast two sides of the same issue.
12The reason the launch was delayed ............... several suppliers missed the deadline.
Wrong!
After "the reason", use "is that" before a clause; avoid "the reason is because" in formal standard English.
Done.
Score: 0/12
Answers
- The team prepared the proposal carefully; however, the client still asked for major changes.
- despite the heavy rain, the organisers decided to continue the outdoor concert.
- The committee postponed its decision because the figures were incomplete.
- The software update failed twice, so the IT team restored the previous version.
- The company hired an external consultant in order to improve its customer service.
- We simplified the application form so that new staff could follow each step.
- despite being highly qualified, Maya was not offered the senior role.
- The apartment is close to the station. Moreover, the rent includes heating and internet.
- Demand fell sharply in the second quarter. Consequently, the factory reduced its production schedule.
- Leo prefers documentaries, whereas his brother usually watches science fiction.
- The online system is expensive to maintain, while it offers good security.
- The reason the launch was delayed is that several suppliers missed the deadline.

