We ought to stay away … the robbers come back

Analyze the question

The sentence is: "We ought to stay away __ the robbers come back." We need a word or phrase that links the two ideas logically. The sentence gives a reason for staying away: the robbers might return.

Explain the concept

Here are the meanings of the options:

• Provided (that) means "on the condition that". It sets a condition: "You can go provided you return early."
• In case means "because something might happen". It gives a precaution: "Take an umbrella in case it rains."
• Although shows contrast: "Although it rained, we went out."
• Should in case is not standard English. The two forms are mixed up.

Solution

1. The robbers have not necessarily come back. Their return is only a possibility.
2. Staying away is a precaution against that possibility.
3. "Provided" would mean "we should stay away on the condition that the robbers come back", which makes no sense.
4. "Although" would suggest a contrast, but nothing in the sentence is contradictory.
5. "Should in case" is ungrammatical.
6. "In case" fits: "We ought to stay away in case the robbers come back" means we should stay away because they might return.

Answer: D. in case

Tip

"In case" means "just to be safe, because it might happen". Whenever a sentence describes a precaution against a possible event, choose "in case". Choose "provided" or "if" only when the sentence sets a real condition. Also, be careful with "should in case". It is a common distractor in JAMB, and the correct form is either "in case" or "in case ... should".