Fill in the blank with the appropriate word. He is slow ______ he is steady.

Appeared in: OSSSC Nursing Officer-2023

Explanation

The sentence presents two qualities, 'slow' and 'steady', which are in contrast to each other.
The conjunction 'but' is the most appropriate word to connect two contrasting ideas or statements.
For example, the correct sentence would be: 'He is slow but he is steady.'.
Since the word 'but' is not available in the given options, the correct choice is 'None of these'.

Option A: The conjunction 'and' is used to connect two similar or grammatically equal ideas. 'Slow' and 'steady' are presented as contrasting qualities here.
Option B: The conjunction 'or' is used to present a choice or an alternative between two or more options. The sentence implies the person possesses both qualities, not one or the other.
Option C: The conjunction 'because' is used to show a cause-and-effect relationship or to provide a reason. Being steady is not the reason for being slow.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Use of Conjunctions in English Grammar as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question tests foundational English grammar, which is a non-nursing subject but essential for all professionals.
Clear and accurate communication is a critical skill for nurses. Proper use of conjunctions ensures that patient records, reports, and instructions are unambiguous and correctly understood.
Miscommunication due to grammatical errors can lead to misunderstandings in patient care, medication administration, and team collaboration, posing a potential safety risk.

How to Approach the Question

First, read the sentence carefully and identify the two ideas being connected: 'He is slow' and 'he is steady'.
Analyze the relationship between these two ideas. Ask yourself: Are they similar? Are they contrasting? Is one the reason for the other? Or do they present a choice?
In this case, 'slow' and 'steady' are contrasting qualities (like the tortoise in the story).
Recall the functions of different conjunctions. 'But' is used for contrast.
Check if 'but' is present in the options. It is not.
Evaluate the given options ('and', 'or', 'because') to confirm they do not fit the context.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full OSSSC Nursing Officer-2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.