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Difficulty: Very hardConjunctions and Clause Structure

Consider the following sentence: '_______ the lead negotiator attempted to reconcile the conflicting demands of both labor unions, neither faction agreed to sign the preliminary accord.' Which of the following conjunctions correctly completes the sentence?

  1. Much asAnswer
  2. B
    In spite of
  3. C
    However
  4. D
    Despite

Answer

The subordinating concessive conjunction phrase 'Much as' is the only option that grammatically introduces a complete finite clause ('the lead negotiator attempted...').
The phrase 'Much as' functions as a subordinating conjunction introducing a concessive clause of degree/manner ('although to a great extent'). It is properly followed by a complete finite clause containing a subject ('the lead negotiator') and a main verb ('attempted').

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structure of the dependent clause following the blank.
The clause 'the lead negotiator attempted to reconcile...' contains a explicit subject ('the lead negotiator') and a finite verb ('attempted').
Identifying whether the segment after the blank is a noun phrase or a finite clause determines whether a preposition or a conjunction is required.
2
Evaluate the grammatical category of the choices.
'In spite of' and 'Despite' are prepositions requiring noun phrases/gerunds. 'However' requires an modifier preceding the subject when introducing concessive sub-clauses. 'Much as' operates as a subordinating conjunction of concession taking a finite clause.
Prepositions cannot directly introduce finite clauses without an added nominalizer.
3
Select the option that preserves grammatical harmony and intended concessive meaning.
'Much as' correctly expresses contrast while satisfying the syntactic requirement of the finite clause.
It maintains structural precision without creating a complementation error.

Key Concept

Concessive Subordinating Conjunctions vs. Prepositional Connectives
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Topics

Conjunctions and Clause Structure

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