Select the correct alternative to fill in the blank with the correct preposition/prepositional phrase in the following sentence.
______ paying him a timely salary, they also bore his travel expenses
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer
Besides
Explanation
The question asks for the correct preposition or prepositional phrase to fill in the blank. The sentence conveys that they did two things: they paid his salary on time, and they additionally covered his travel expenses. The preposition "Besides" means "in addition to" or "apart from", making it the only option that logically connects these two additive actions.
Option 1 (Unless) is a conjunction used to introduce a condition, meaning "except if". Option 2 (Notwithstanding) means "in spite of" or "despite", which implies a contrast rather than an addition. Option 4 (Inasmuch as) is a conjunction meaning "to the extent that" or "because", used to introduce an explanation or limitation.
Key Points
Preposition options on your exam paper often hinge on understanding whether the sentence structure implies contrast, condition, or addition. Spotting clue words like "also" in the main clause instantly signals that an additive term like "Besides" is required.