The new employee is very enthusiastic about her work, ------------ she lacks experience.
Aso
Bbut
Cand
Dbecause
Answer:
B. but
Read Explanation:
Understanding Conjunctions: Coordinating and Subordinating
- Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS): These join words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical rank. The common ones are For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
- Subordinating Conjunctions: These introduce dependent clauses and connect them to independent clauses. Examples include 'because', 'although', 'while', 'since', 'if', 'unless', 'whereas'.
The Role of 'But'
- Contrast/Opposition: 'But' is a coordinating conjunction used to show a contrast or opposition between two ideas. It signifies that the second idea presents a difference or exception to the first.
- Usage in Sentences: When you have two contrasting statements, 'but' is the most suitable conjunction to link them, indicating that despite the first statement, the second one is also true or relevant.
- Example Analysis: In the given sentence structure, 'The new employee is very enthusiastic about her work' presents a positive attribute. 'She lacks experience' presents a contrasting, less positive attribute. 'But' effectively bridges these two contrasting points.
Common Errors and Exam Relevance
- Distinguishing Conjunctions: Competitive exams frequently test the ability to differentiate between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions and their correct usage.
- Identifying Correct Contrast: Pay close attention to the meaning conveyed by the sentence. If there's a clear opposition or exception, 'but' or 'yet' are strong candidates.
- Avoiding Grammatical Errors: Misusing conjunctions can lead to awkward phrasing or incorrect sentence structure, which are common pitfalls in grammar sections of exams.
- Practice with Sentence Completion: Questions requiring the selection of the correct conjunction for sentence completion are a staple in many standardized tests. Understanding the nuances of each conjunction is crucial for accurate selection.