Question

We will stay indoors --------------- it stops raining.

• A. while
• B. although
• C. until
• D. because

Answer 1

Answer:

C. until

Understanding Conjunctions of Time

'Until' vs. Other Conjunctions

• 'Until': This conjunction is used to indicate a point in time up to which something happens or continues. It signifies a duration that ends when a specific condition or event is met. In the given sentence, 'until' correctly connects the action of staying indoors with the cessation of rain.
• 'Before': 'Before' indicates an action that happens prior to another event. It's not suitable here as the staying indoors is dependent on the rain continuing, not preceding it.
• 'After': 'After' signifies an action that occurs following another event. This is the opposite of the intended meaning; one stays indoors while it rains, not after it stops.
• 'When': While 'when' can indicate simultaneous actions, 'until' is more precise for specifying a duration that ends at a particular time. 'We will stay indoors when it stops raining' implies an immediate departure outdoors as soon as the rain ceases, whereas 'until' suggests the duration of staying indoors up to the point of the rain stopping.

Common Usage in Competitive Exams

• Questions often test the precise meaning of conjunctions related to time and condition.
• Pay close attention to the duration implied by the conjunction. 'Until' emphasizes the period leading up to an event.
• Consider the logical flow of the sentence. The action of staying indoors is conditional on the rain's presence and continues up to the point it stops.