Question

Complete the sentence using the right option:
She was left with only two options: ______ she could stay back and take the blame for it all, ______ she could quietly leave and let her friends face the fire.

• A. both ; and
• B. if ; but
• C. either ; or
• D. neither ; nor

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

either ; or

Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together. Some examples are either/or, neither/nor, and not only/but also. The given sentence requires the use of a correlative conjunction. The combination either/or indicates that there is a choice between the two choices, and only one can be selected. Either is always used with or and it is used to express alternatives and or a choice between two (and sometimes more) things. Thus Option C is correct. The combination neither/nor indicates that neither of the two choices can be selected. In other words, neither choice is available. Thus Option D is incorrect as neither/nor - When they're paired up they negate both parts of a statement while it is inferred in the sentence that she has to choose one option. The combination both/and indicates that the two items are equally presented and included. Hence Option A is incorrect as it is inferred in the sentence that one option has to be selected by her. 'If' is used to say that one thing can, will or might happen or be true, depending on another thing happening or being true while but is used to introduce a word or phrase that contrasts with what was said before. Thus Option B is incorrect.