The correct option to fill the gap in the sentence is
D. However.
Explanation of the Correct Answer
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Understanding the Context: The sentence states, "we couldn't find the official who was to act as our guide ...., he has left before we arrived." The first part of the sentence indicates a situation where the speaker was unable to find the official. The second part provides a reason for this situation: the official had already left before the speaker arrived.
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Analyzing the Options:
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A. Moreover: This word is used to add information that supports or reinforces the previous statement. If we used "moreover," the sentence would imply that the official leaving is an additional piece of information that supports the inability to find him, which does not fit the context. The official leaving is not an additional point; it is the reason for the inability to find him.
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B. Actually: This word is often used to clarify or correct a previous statement. Using "actually" would suggest that the speaker is correcting a misunderstanding about the situation. However, the sentence does not need clarification; it simply states a fact about the official's absence. Therefore, "actually" does not fit well in this context.
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C. Nevertheless: This word is used to introduce a contrast or an unexpected outcome. If we used "nevertheless," it would imply that despite the official leaving, there was still some expectation of finding him, which is not the case here. The official's departure is the reason for not finding him, not a contrasting point.
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D. However: This word is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts what has been previously mentioned. In this case, it effectively indicates that the inability to find the official is directly related to the fact that he had already left. Thus, "however" fits perfectly in the context, as it connects the two parts of the sentence logically.
Summary of Why Other Options Are Incorrect
- Moreover: Adds information, not suitable for explaining the absence.
- Actually: Clarifies or corrects, not needed in this context.
- Nevertheless: Suggests contrast, which does not apply here.
Revision Summary
- The correct answer is D. However because it indicates a contrast between the inability to find the official and the reason for it.
- "Moreover" adds information, "actually" clarifies, and "nevertheless" suggests contrast, all of which do not fit the context.
- Understanding the function of transitional words is crucial for selecting the appropriate option in sentence completion tasks.
- Always consider the logical relationship between the two parts of the sentence when choosing a connector.