Choose the correct option to fill in the blank in the given sentence:
Such an act would not be kind ______ it were just.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → even if
Concessive conjunction "even if":
- Even if introduces a condition and says that the main clause stays true whether or not the condition is met.
- This sentence: kindness and justice are different qualities; the act would still not be kind, even if it were just.
- Complete sentence: Such an act would not be kind even if it were just.
Example: Even if it rains, the match will go on.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: but also — Incorrect. "But also" is the second half of the pair not only ... but also; without "not only" before it, it cannot join these clauses.
Example: She is not only clever but also hardworking.
Option 2: or — Incorrect. Or offers a choice between two things; "not kind or it were just" makes no sense.
Example: You can have tea or coffee.
Option 4: both and — Incorrect. Both ... and is a pair placed before two separate items ("both A and B"); the two words cannot stand together to join clauses.
Example: The trip was both tiring and exciting.