Fill in the blank with the correct option :
_____ doing the cooking, I look after the garden.

Question

Fill in the blank with the correct option :  
_____ doing the cooking, I look after the garden.

Accepted Answer

1. Explanation for Option 3 ("Besides"):

The word "besides" is used to indicate an additional point or activity that complements the main statement. In the sentence "_____ doing the cooking, I look after the garden," the speaker is listing two activities they are responsible for: cooking and looking after the garden. "Besides" is the appropriate choice here because it effectively conveys that in addition to cooking, the speaker also takes care of the garden. This use of "besides" highlights the speaker's involvement in multiple tasks, making it the correct option for completing the sentence.

2. Explanation for why the other options are incorrect:

- Option 1 ("Beside"): "Beside" is a preposition that means "next to" or "at the side of." It is used to describe physical proximity or location. In the context of the sentence, "beside" would not make sense because the sentence is not about physical location but rather about listing activities. Therefore, "beside" is not suitable for this sentence.

- Option 2 ("However"): "However" is a conjunction or adverb used to introduce a contrast or contradiction. It is typically used to show a difference or exception to what has been previously stated. In the sentence, there is no contrast being made between cooking and looking after the garden; instead, both activities are being listed as responsibilities. Thus, "however" is not the correct choice.

- Option 4 ("Therefore"): "Therefore" is a conjunction or adverb used to indicate a logical conclusion or result. It is used to show that something is a consequence of what has been previously mentioned. In this sentence, there is no cause-and-effect relationship between cooking and looking after the garden; they are simply two activities the speaker is involved in. Hence, "therefore" is not appropriate for this context.

In conclusion, "besides" is the correct option because it accurately conveys the idea of an additional responsibility, aligning with the intended meaning of the sentence.