EngQuizzitive - 43 (grammar) : Conjunctions - III

Topic : Subordinating Conjunctions (additional quiz : for all those who have been requesting to increase the number of questions in the quiz :)
Theory on Subordinating conjunctions : http://engquizzitive.blogspot.com/2010/10/conjunctions-theory.html


Answers

1. The doctor said that he would not recover until he had the will to leave.[Incorrect : Until’ is up to the point in time or the event mentioned. The sentence suggests a condition meaning ‘if he does not . ‘. Hence ‘unless’ should replace ‘until’. The correct sentence is : The doctor said that he would not recover unless he had the will to leave.]
2. Since the conductor finds everything left behind by the passengers,he sends it to the Lost Property Office.[Incorrect : It is a clause of condition. Hence if, in case or when has to replace ‘since’.The correct sentence is If the conductor finds anything left behind by the passengers,he sends it to the Lost Property Office.]
3. I'll never support him even though it costs me my job.[Incorrect : Even though’ is used before facts. ‘Even though he had very little money. . . ‘. ‘Even if’ is used before a possibility.Here it is a possibility. He may lose his job if he doesn’t support. Hence ‘even if’ should replace ‘even though’.The correct answer is : I'll never support him even if it costs me my job.]
4. You can see the stars at night as the sky is clear.[Incorrect : If‘ should replace ‘as’ in this context. It is a general statement. If it mentions something happening at that particular time then ‘as’ can be used. The correct sentence is As the sky is clear, you are able to see the stars’.]
5. I have a lot of work to complete and so don't get worried when I am late. [Incorrect : It shows a probability. I might be late. Hence ‘if’ has to replace ‘when’.The correct sentence is : I have a lot of work to complete and so don't get worried if I am late.]

Another Quiz on Subirdinating conjunctions : http://engquizzitive.blogspot.com/2010/10/engquizzitive-42-grammar-conjunctions_30.html