Examkin

Question

Difficulty: HardConjunctions and Clause Structure

Complete the following sentence by identifying the correct concessive conjunction that completes the clause structure.

Answer:【Much as】 the permanent secretary presented detailed financial records, the probe panel uncovered major discrepancies in the procurement accounts.

Answer

The sentence requires a concessive conjunction such as 'Much as' or 'Inasmuch as' to contrast the action of presenting detailed financial records with the unexpected discovery of major discrepancies.
The concessive conjunction 'Much as' correctly introduces a subordinate clause of concession, indicating that despite the thorough presentation of financial records, the probe panel still found discrepancies. It fits the formal register and syntax of complex sentence structures.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the clause structure and semantic relationship between the main clause and the subordinate clause.
The subordinate clause describes an attempt/action ('presented detailed financial records') while the main clause highlights an opposing outcome ('uncovered major discrepancies').
This establishes a concessive relationship where the main clause occurs despite the event in the subordinate clause.
2
Select the appropriate concessive conjunction that functions fronted before a finite clause.
'Much as' (or 'Inasmuch as') correctly introduces a concessive clause of degree/extent meaning 'although to a great extent'.
It maintains both grammatical precision and appropriate academic register for complex sentence structure.

Key Concept

Concessive Subordinate Clauses and Conjunctions
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Rate this question

Topics

Conjunctions and Clause Structure

More questions from this topic