In the following passage, some of the words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives.
“I am proud to (1)__________ to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance (2)________ universal acceptance, “he declared (3)__________ September 11, 1893 „ “ we believe not only in universal toleration, (4) __________ we accept all religions as true, I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the (5) ________ of all religious and all nations of the earth.”
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank number 4.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. but.
- But is a suitable option.
- This is the clearest and most grammatically correct conjunction to employ in this circumstance since it establishes a contrast immediately.
- By contrasting "universal toleration" with "accepting all religions as true," it highlights both points of view.
- Compared to other options:
- Yet: Similarly to "but," "yet" conveys the concept that something is happening in spite of the previous statement. It is frequently employed to introduce a contrasting principle. It may work, but it doesn't belong here as naturally as "but."
- Though: This word produces a contrast in a subordinate phrase. Since it normally requires another clause to come after it, it would give the impression that the statement is unfinished.
- And: This term is used to provide information or to enumerate things together without highlighting any differences. The line would read, "We believe not only in universal toleration, and we accept all religions as true," if "and" had been added. This awkwardly completes the phrase and fails to draw attention to the contrast as powerfully as "but."