CONJUNCTIONS AND PREPOSITIONS
Exercise 1
01. The Maxwell Byrd Company prides itself on having established modern

efficient

procedures unmatched in the industry.
(A) either

(C) and

(B) so

(D) too

02. All the examinees should bring

a driver’s license or passport and a pencil to the

testing center.
(A) neither

(C) either

(B) nor

(D) or

03. To prevent electricity outages in areas where service is not readily available, use major
appliances before noon

after 7p.m

(A) neither

(C) either

(B) nor

(D) or

04. If you placed an order,

have not received your package, please wait two months from

the day it was shipped before making an inquiry.
(A) but

(C) then

(B) also

(D) even

05. The training staff was instructed neither to give handouts before the sessions

to

distribute the manuals until after the seminar had ended.
(A) also


(C) or

(B) nor

(D) and

06. All of the workers were warned about wearing masks in the laboratory,

half of them

ignored the advisory and got sick.
(A) yet

(C) so

(B) by

(D) both

07. The new interior design of the office has both increased employee productivity
many positive remarks from the clients.
(A) or

(C) like

(B) yet

(D) and

drawn



08. The chief executive is trying to decide whether to assign an individual

an entire team to

evaluate last week’s event.
(A) so

(C) or

(B) but

(D) nor

09. Better product advertising is needed that not only grabs the viewer’s attention
stimulates consumer desire to spend money.
(A) or

(C) and

(B) but

(D) therefore

10. Candidates will be considered on the basis of their prior experience

on their level of

dedication and loyalty.

(A) although

(C) as well as

(B) based on

(D) in addition

11. Your participation in

support of our charity benefit will help feed the thousands of

starving children our company sponsors.
(A) and

(C) because

(B) so

(D) however

12. The severance request has been processed by the head office,

not by the accounting

department as of yet.
(A) also

(C) but


(B) or

(D) unless

13. At the end of Sarah’s first month of employment, the company evaluated

her daily

performance and her total month’s production.
(A) either

(C) plus

(B) both

(D) so

14. This project began almost five months ago
(A) or

(C) and

(B) so

(D) but

15. Our store will be refinanced,

is expected to be finished in December.


to save on long term interest rates and to ensure a solid

credit rating.
(A) either

(C) neither

(B) both

(D) not only


16. The company will have performance reviews over the next few weeks,

the manager is

going to inform all employees of the review process.
(A) since

(C) or

(B) but

(D) so

17. The restaurant critic advised patronizing

the newly opened Greek restaurant nor

the 20-year-old grilled food eatery.

(A) and

(C)with

(B) either

(D) neither

18. Make sure that not only the agenda

the annual report have been put into the envelopes

for each of the directors as well.
(A) and

(C) but

(B) or

(D) so

19. You can either submit your applications by e-mail

send the needed information by

post.
(A) or

(C) nor


(B) and

(D) also

20. All new computer technicians should receive

and up-to-date training in the use and

maintenance of state of the art equipment.
(A) adequacy

(C) adequateness

(B) adequate

(D) adequately

Exercise 2
1. The telephone information service is available round the clock ………………………….. it is a special
holiday.
(A) regardless

(B) whether

(C) despite

(D) even if

2. The new work schedule cuts back on extra hours ………………….. improving employee efficiency with
longer lunch breaks.

(A) while

(B) but

(C) after

(D) since

3. At this company, quarterly bonuses are awarded, ………………………. all of the sales goals are met.
(A) so as

(B) depending on

(C) rather than

(D) provided


4. The loan agency has been closed for investigation ……………………….. claims were made that the owner
dipped into overhead funds.
(A) when

(B) due to

(C) in spite of

(D) since

5. We will hold a workshop ………………… more than ten employees register.
(A) while


(B) before

(C) if

(D) because

6. The club is so exclusive that visitors are not permitted to use its services ……………………. accompanied
by a member.
(A) without

(B) otherwise

(C) but

(D) unless

7. Some of the suggestion proposed by the assistant manager had to be declined …………………….. they
did not reflect the company’s approach to employee relations.
(A) unless

(B) rather than

(C) because

(D) anyway

8. The company decided to change its policy regarding holiday breaks ……………………….. the labor union
initiated a strike.
(A) while


(B) where

(C) when

(D) whether

9. ………………… Frank prefers having a quick meal at his desk, Carl would rather have a leisurely lunch at a
good restaurant.
(A) As soon as

(B) While

(C) Because of

(D) However

10. Mr. Gonzales should inform his assistant about his schedule ………………………….. he is planning a
business trip to Tokyo with the rest of the marketing team.
(A) so

(B) if

(C) that

(D)due to

11. …………………… deciding whether or not to purchase an investment property, it is important to
consider the terms of investment and the ongoing costs.
(A) Whatever


(B) However

(C) Whichever

(D) Whenever

12. Harold Grist became the company’s top senior manager …………………… successfully leading the firm
through the period of near bankruptcy.
(A) with

(B) in

(C) after

(D) like

13. Employees are being asked to pull overtime ………………………… the current project has been
completed.
(A) while

(B) until

(C) during

(D) upon


14. ………………………….. you sign the document, you should carefully review the details of the contract.
(A) Because


(B) Since

(C) Before

(D) While

15. This color copier will last beyond its warranty ………………. the machine is periodically maintained and
worn-out parts are replaced.
(A) whereas

(B) in case

(C) unless

(D) as long as

16. ………………………….. accompanied by an adult, children under the age of twelve are admitted free into
the museum.
(A) With

(B) When

(C) Only

(D) By

17. An additional 78000 job opening is available for entry-level workers ……………….. increasing foreign
investments have spurred companies to establish new factories.
(A) that


(B) if

(C) as

(D) which

18. …………………………. the bank approves his application for a small business loan, Gary intends to open
his shop by the end of the year.
(A) Providing

(B) Nevertheless

(C) The fact what

(D) Until

19. Included in this month’s subscription is a coupon for a discounted year membership ………………………
you can introduce our magazine to your friends.
(A) in order

(B) so that

(C) in addition to

(D) such as

20. ………………………. the raw material needs of the company, we have had to explore other means to
obtain the supplies we require.
(A) Consider


(B) Considered

(C) Considering

(D) Consideration

Exercise 3
1. …………. inexperienced, individuals with the willingness to learn will make a difference in the
foreseeable future.
A. Until

B. Despite

C. Although

D. Otherwise

2. ……………. searching for long-term economic growth, the government intends to study immediate
solutions to avoid severe criticism from the public.
A. According to

B. However

C. Until

D. Instead of

3. We want you to be aware that we’re doing our utmost, …………… we will not be able to provide you
with a personalized experience on our website.



A. in spite of

B. so as

C. despite

D. though

4. Passengers will get to their destination on time …………. our departure time is a little late due to a
mechanical problem.
A. as if

B. while

C. because

D. even though

5. ……….. to focus resources and investment on this rapidly growing business, we have to make a
strategic decision.
A. Whether

B. According

C. In order

D. However


6. …… all the alterations to the plan have been approved, they should be submitted to the appropriate
office no later than the end of the month.
A. Like

B. Once

C. Unless

D. Despite

7. I have also attached a list … all my work experience as required.
A. across

B. to

C. among

D. of

8. Employees who participate in this training program can learn a great deal about themselves as well as
experience in ….. personal and profession growth.
A. every

B. either

C. both

D. whether

9. You’re advised to contact us immediately ….. technical problems with your computer system don’t

seem to be resolved.
A. why

B. due to

C. despite

D. if

10. …………… the unsuccessful summer season, the manager wants to go ahead with expansion plans.
A. because

B. although

C. due

D. despite

11. If you want to purchase a lower priced ticket, either contact us through regular email …… call our
hotline and then we will send you an application immediately.
A. or

B. neither

C. nor

D. both

12. By the end of the day, you must decide ………….. or not you want to attend the conference next
month.

A. whether

B. if

C. however

D. rather

13. ………….. we concede that the union does have a point, it is impossible for us to meet the members’
demands.
A. during

B. having

C. while

D. as


14. If you are not able to present a valid receipt, neither may the products be returned ………… are you
refunded.
A. or

B. and

C. nor

D. neither

15. More efforts to accomplish the objectives for reducing costs have been made ………….. they were set

out at the beginning of this year.
A. if

B. since

C. how

D. than

16. …………… the manager found out that the secretary had lied to her, she was furious.
A. owing to

B. so

C. if

D. when

17. ………… he attended the conference, he didn’t think it was very informative.
A. in fact

B. because

C. although

D. unless

18. The flight to Berlin arrived late ……….. the stormy weather.
A. for


B. because

C. then after

D. because of

19. . ……… the threat to security, he always leaves his filing cabinet unlocked when he is not in his office.
A. owing to

B. since

C. despite

D. during

20. ………….. there are so many stores throughout the district, any type of bad publicity carries a lot of
risks.
A. since

B. if

D. so

D. unless

Exercise 4
1. Service employees are exempt from overtime ………….. the positions meet specific requirements.
A. if

B. whether


C. despite

D. that

2. …….. waiting for a formal incident report, the company’s European head office called the branch
manager for an informal situation update.
A. According to

B. Further

C. Instead of

D. However

3. His first job ………. graduating from college was working for an automobile dealership.
A. when

B. since

C. after

D. while

C. while

D. to

4. Fax me ……………. the shipment arrives.
A. when


B. until


5. Don’t hesitate. Please notify the front desk ……… the problem occurs.
A. while

B. as

C. as much as

D. as soon as

6. ………….. moving to the downtown branch last year, Ms. Taylor stays in touch with many of her old
colleagues at our branch.
A. Subsequently

B. Meanwhile

C. However

D. Despite

7. …………… a sudden increase in the value of foreign currencies, the imported car market looks set to
remain steady for the remaining months of the year.
A. Unless

B. Because

C. Unlike


D. Except

8. ………… the employees’ new details were entered into the company’s records, salary payment records
began arriving regularly.
A. Like

B. Once

C. Unless

D. Despite

9. ………….. experience with children would be a positive, it is not regarded as essential for applicants for
the job.
A. Otherwise

B. Despite

C. Although

D. Regardless

10. People Movers Recruitment is going ahead with its plan to open offices in regional centers …………
annual returns declined in the first quarter.
A. still

B. however

C. instead of


D. even though

11. Mr. Hatcher is now curious about the general opinion on the matter of formatting a standard …………
deluxe system instead of formatting a premiere one.
A. so

B. nor

C. or

D. and

12. McCloud Media has grown steadily at a rate of approximately five percent every year ………….. shares
were floated a decade ago.
A. if

B. since

C. how

D. than

13. ………… I was visiting the Grand Canyon, I bumped into one of my friends from Japan.
A. While

B. During

C. For


D. Because

14. I wonder ………….. anybody here owns a truck. I am really in need of that.
A. that

B. what

C. once

D. if

15. The working hours for this position are flexible, ………….. there will be some compulsory overtime.


A. so that

B. despite

C. but

D. whenever

16. All the details on the recent project should be completed ……….. to the departure of the delegation.
A. before

B. after

C. prior

D. next


17. …………… the stockbrokers said that the market was healthy, they refused to invest more money.
A. Because

B. Although

C. In addition

D. So

18. Laboratory access is restricted to those having …….. registered fingerprints or retinal cans.
A. both

B. every

C. any

D. either

19. The applications submitted will be accepted …………. accompanied by photo.
A. only if

B. until

C. not only

D. since

20. Neither video cameras ……. snack foods are allowed in the cinema.
A. or


B. both

C. nor

D. either

Exercise 5
1. …………. newly hired employees have completed a trial period, they are set to receive full medical and
pension plans.
A. soon

B. then

C. later

D. once

2. Buses in the metropolitan area are rarely on schedule …………. traffic is busy and hectic.
A. which

B. because of

C. when

D. in order

3. We are not happy to announce that due to recent cutbacks on members, we won’t be able to accept
new projects …………. further notice.
A. except


B. next to

C. when

D. until

4. All employees are reminded to treat each other with politeness and respect ………. that we can
maintain a good atmosphere at all times.
A. as

B. then

C. so

D. if

5. …….. announcing his retirement, Mr. Kinsley has been busy trying to train his replacement.
A. because

B. once

C. while

D. since

6. ………. Mr. Pennington retires, he will receive an annual pension of more than fifty thousand dollars
from Packard Incorporated.



A. Often

B. However

C. While

D. Once

7. Golf Weekly is a newly published magazine that caters to ………. experienced and inexperienced
golfers who are just learning to play the game.
A. both

B. neither

C. so

D. and

8. ………… the job market is not stable, those people who persist will be able to land jobs eventually.
A. whether

B. therefore

C. even if

D. so that

9. Those dates have been chosen since Jim will be travelling extensively in ……. March and April.
A. neither


B. either

C. each

D. both

10. All staff members are reminded that they should not use the executive room ……………. they have
written authorization to do so.
A. for

B. unless

C. without

D. although

11. Major Australian car-manufacturers will continue to produce their flagship large sedans …………. the
recent increases in fuel costs.
A. for

B. except

C. although

D. despite

12. .......... his appointment as our head of accounting services, Paul Robinson was working as a highpowered merchant banker in London.
A. Since

B. Prior to


C. Except

D. Because

13. Technology Advancement still enjoys a good reputation ……………… its sales have consistently
declined over the past few years.
A. instead of

B. even though

C. despite

D. however

14. You can be assured that your personal information will not be disclosed…………….. you give us written
authorization.
A. whether

B. as if

C. except

D. unless

15. Our company usually ships the books to the client ………………. we receive the payment for the books
and the shipping.
A. during

B. possibly


C. as soon as

D. later

16. The senior manager will be away on a business trip at least ………………. the end of the month.
A. before

B. since

C. while

D. until

17. ……………….. submitting my application after the deadline, the university agreed to consider my
suitability to study there.


A. In spite of

B. Possibly

C. Nevertheless

D. Due to

18. The company will keep our employees’ personal information strictly confidential ………… when
written permission is given for it to be released.
A. whether


B. as if

C. except

D. unless

19. The architects is considering redesigning the building ………. the meeting rooms will be on the second
and fourth floors.
A. in order to

B. so that

C. because of

D. just as

20. Customers who place an order for the MP3 player ………….. March 31 will receive a free download
package from our website.
A. at

B. in

C. up

D. before