【TOEIC】接続詞since・despite・during・except の使い分け

問題

The company has shown steady growth ——- it launched its new product line last year.
(A) despite
(B) since
(C) during
(D) except

——- the heavy rain, the outdoor concert continued as planned.
(A) Despite
(B) Since
(C) Except
(D) During

Employees are not allowed to use their personal phones ——- working hours.
(A) despite
(B) during
(C) since
(D) except

The manager praised every team member ——- John, who was absent that day.
(A) despite
(B) except
(C) since
(D) during

He has been the top salesperson in the company ——- he joined three years ago.
(A) despite
(B) except
(C) since
(D) during

The company has shown steady growth ——- it launched its new product line last year.
正解：B. since ✅
→ 「昨年新製品ラインを発売して以来、会社は安定した成長を示している」という意味。

——- the heavy rain, the outdoor concert continued as planned.
正解：A. Despite ✅
→ 「大雨にもかかわらず、野外コンサートは予定通り続行された」という意味。

Employees are not allowed to use their personal phones ——- working hours.
正解：B. during ✅
→ 「勤務時間中に個人の携帯電話を使うことは許されていない」という意味。

The manager praised every team member ——- John, who was absent that day.
正解：B. except ✅
→ 「その日欠席していたジョンを除いて、マネージャーは全員を褒めた」という意味。

He has been the top salesperson in the company ——- he joined three years ago.
正解：C. since ✅
→ 「3年前に入社して以来、彼はずっとトップの営業担当者だ」という意味。