Free Transitional Devices MCQs with Answers

1. Choose the correct transitional device: The medicine was expensive; ____, it proved effective.

• A. therefore
• B. however
• C. moreover
• D. similarly

Explanation: The two clauses contrast, so a contrastive connector such as however, nevertheless or on the other hand is needed. Therefore signals a result, moreover adds a similar point and similarly draws a comparison. Reading both halves before choosing is the reliable method with these questions.

2. Choose the correct transitional device: He studied hard; ____, he passed with distinction.

• A. nevertheless
• B. consequently
• C. although
• D. whereas

Explanation: The second clause states the result of the first, so a consequence connector such as consequently, therefore or as a result is needed. Nevertheless and whereas both signal contrast, which does not fit. Although is a subordinating conjunction and could not follow a semicolon in this way.

3. Choose the correct transitional device: The first trial failed. ____, the researchers refined the method and tried again.

• A. Similarly
• B. Undeterred
• C. In contrast
• D. For instance

Explanation: The second sentence describes persistence in the face of the failure just reported, and undeterred captures exactly that relationship. Similarly and in contrast both compare two things rather than continue a narrative, and for instance would introduce an example. The connector must match the logical move being made.

4. Choose the correct form: Not only did he pass, ____ he topped the class.

• A. and
• B. but also
• C. or
• D. however

Explanation: Not only is always completed by but also, and the pair must join grammatically equal elements. The inversion did he pass follows automatically from beginning the sentence with not only. Substituting and or however breaks the fixed correlative pattern.

5. It rained all night; _______, the roads were flooded in the morning.

• A. similarly
• B. instead
• C. as a result
• D. in contrast

Explanation: The flooding follows from the rain, so the connector must signal consequence, and as a result, therefore and consequently all do that job. Similarly draws a comparison, in contrast signals opposition and instead signals replacement, none of which fits a cause and effect relationship. Reading both clauses before choosing is the reliable method with connector questions.

6. She hurried to the supermarket _____ she might get some things _____ it closed.

• A. in order to; before
• B. so that; before
• C. for; by
• D. so that; at

Explanation: “So that” introduces the purpose of hurrying, while “before” sets the deadline created by the supermarket’s closing. “In order to” would need a verb form such as “get,” not “might get.”

7. I'll come to meet you at the station in my car _________ you do not have to walk to my house.

• A. So that
• B. In order
• C. That
• D. Because

Explanation: “So that” introduces the purpose of coming by car: the speaker comes by car in order to prevent the listener from walking. “Because” would give a reason rather than a purpose, and “in order” is incomplete without “to.”

8. ___________ you work very hard, you cannot pass. (KPPSC 2018 paper)

• A. Unless
• B. Until
• C. While
• D. As if

Explanation: “Unless” means “if not,” so the sentence means that passing is impossible if you do not work very hard. “Until” refers to time, not a condition.

9. The house is large __________ is quite old-fashioned.

• A. and
• B. or
• C. which
• D. but

Explanation: But connects two contrasting descriptions: the house is large, yet it is old-fashioned. And would merely add information without showing this contrast.

10. There are some vacant rooms __________ in flats and shared houses.

• A. both
• B. between
• C. either
• D. neither

Explanation: Both pairs two items together, giving both in flats and shared houses. Either and neither are used with alternatives and would require or, not and.