Question

Give me something to eat .......................... I shall die of hunger.

• A. else
• B. can
• C. for
• D. but

Hint:

The phrase 'or else' is very common for showing a negative consequence. Sometimes, as in this formal or literary example, the 'or' can be omitted, and 'else' alone carries the meaning of 'otherwise'.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question requires choosing the correct conjunction or adverb to connect two clauses. The first clause is a command, and the second is the consequence of not following it.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The structure of the sentence implies a condition and a result: "If you don't give me something to eat, I will die." We need a word that conveys this meaning of 'otherwise' or 'if not'.
- (A) else: Used in the phrase "or else", it means 'otherwise'. For example, "Hurry up, or else you'll be late." In this sentence, the 'or' is implied. "Give me something to eat; else, I shall die of hunger" is a grammatically valid, though slightly formal, construction. It correctly shows the consequence.
- (B) can: This is a modal verb and does not fit grammatically.
- (C) for: As a conjunction, 'for' means 'because' and introduces a reason. This doesn't fit the logic. I am not dying *because* you should give me food.
- (D) but: This is a conjunction used for contrast, which is not the relationship between the clauses here.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The word 'else' is the best fit to indicate the consequence, meaning 'otherwise'. Therefore, option (A) is the correct answer.