Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

www0935 · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 173

Here is my another question:

The French enjoy talking about intellectual topics, and arguments do not destroy friendship; ______, they are essential to developing friendship.
(A) however (B) nevertheless (C) but (D) instead

The answer is (D), but how about (A) or (B)? Is there any difference between them?

Thanks for your kind help.

pugachevV · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2295

Instead is correct and is the only answer that works best. It is used to point out that an argument (usually) a negative thing, is INSTEAD a positive force in developing friendships.