Read the desperate sticky note left on the fridge and choose the right word to start the sentence.
___ we are completely out of coffee, I am borrowing your emergency stash of energy drinks.
The correct answer is Since.
Since is a subordinating conjunction used to introduce an adverb clause of reason, especially when the reason is already known to the listener. When an adverb clause starts a sentence, we place a comma before the main clause. "Because of" requires a noun phrase, while "Therefore" and "So" are used to introduce results, not reasons.
Conjunction
A conjunction is a word that connects other words, phrases, or clauses. English has two main types: coordinating conjunctions join units of equal weight (and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor — the FANBOYS), while subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses (because, although, if, when, while, since, unless).
Conjunctions are how you build compound and complex sentences instead of stacking short ones. The choice of conjunction signals the relationship between the ideas — addition, contrast, cause, condition, time — so picking the right one shapes the whole meaning.
Dependent clause
A dependent clause (also called a subordinate clause) is a clause that has a subject and a verb but can't stand alone as a complete sentence. It needs an independent clause to attach to. Because I overslept is a dependent clause; I missed the bus because I overslept is a complete sentence.
Dependent clauses come in three main types: noun clauses (acting as a noun: I know that he likes me), adjective/relative clauses (modifying a noun: the dwarf who has no beard), and adverbial clauses (modifying a verb or whole clause: Wherever she goes). They're how English packs more information into a single sentence.
Punctuation
Punctuation is the set of visual marks — periods, commas, question marks, colons, semicolons, apostrophes, quotation marks, hyphens and dashes — that show readers where sentences begin and end, where pauses go, and how parts of a sentence relate.
Punctuation does two jobs: it follows the rhythm of speech (where you'd pause aloud) and it marks the structure of clauses. Mismatch the two and writing reads either as breathless or as choppy. Mastering the basics is a small investment with huge returns — clear punctuation makes prose look careful and considered.
Clause
A clause is a grammatical unit built around a verb — typically a subject plus a predicate (She laughed; The manager approved the budget). Clauses come in two types: independent clauses stand alone as complete sentences; dependent clauses need an independent clause to make sense (Because I overslept — incomplete on its own).
Spotting clause boundaries is the foundation of correct punctuation. Once you can see where one clause ends and another begins, comma rules, run-on sentences, and complex sentence structure stop being mysteries.
Complex sentence
A complex sentence combines an independent clause with at least one dependent (subordinate) clause: I missed the bus because I overslept. The dependent clause adds extra information — usually about time, reason, condition, or which thing is meant — but can't stand alone. It's introduced by a subordinating conjunction (because, although, if, when, while) or a relative pronoun (who, which, that).
Mastering complex sentences is the move from simple, choppy writing to prose that links ideas. It's also where comma decisions get interesting — placement depends on which clause comes first.
B2 | Upper Intermediate
B2 is the upper-intermediate level in the CEFR framework, sitting between B1 and C1. At B2 you can read editorials, follow most TED talks without subtitles, and hold extended conversations on abstract topics — including topics outside your everyday life.
Grammatically, B2 means flexible control of mixed conditionals, passive voice across tenses, reported speech with proper backshifting, and participle clauses. B2 is the standard target for university entrance exams (IELTS 5.5–6.5, TOEFL 87–109) and most skilled-migration thresholds — knowing whether you're there shapes your study plan.
B1 | Intermediate
B1 is the intermediate level in the CEFR framework — the point where you stop relying on memorised phrases and start handling everyday English independently. At B1 you can describe experiences, explain opinions, and follow most clear standard speech on familiar topics like work, travel, and hobbies.
Grammatically, B1 means combining tenses with precision, building complex sentences, and starting to use passive voice, modal verbs for necessity and possibility, and verb patterns (gerund vs. infinitive). Knowing your level shapes what you study next: pushing too far ahead frustrates you; staying below your level wastes time.
Difficulty: Medium
The Medium difficulty tag marks questions and challenges in the middle of the difficulty range — typically suitable for A2 to B1 learners. Expect a single rule with realistic distractors, longer sentences, and contexts where you have to think before answering rather than reading off the obvious choice.
Filter by Medium when you're past the absolute basics and ready to consolidate. It's the level where most lasting progress happens — easy enough that you can finish without exhausting concentration, hard enough that getting it right means you've actually understood.