Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank in the following sentence:-
Players can not leave the area without permission _____ the game is being played.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → while
Complete sentence: Players can not leave the area without permission while the game is being played. It joins "the game is being played" to the main clause.
| Option | Meaning and use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) despite | Despite means in spite of. It shows contrast, not time. It is a preposition, followed by a noun, not by a clause. | They played on despite the rain. |
| (2) during | During has the right meaning but is a preposition: it needs a noun ("during the game"), not a full clause. | No one may leave during the game. |
| (3) while (answer) | While is a conjunction meaning during the time that. It is followed by a clause with a subject and a verb. | Please do not talk while the teacher is speaking. |
| (4) much as | Much as means although or even though. It shows contrast, not time. | Much as I like him, I cannot agree with him. |