It’s true that the old road is less direct and a bit longer. We won’t take the new one, _______, because we don’t feel as safe on it.

---How about your mid-term examination? ----I did badly, __________ I failed in it. 

As is often the case, the fact that something is cheap doesn’t _____ mean it’s of low quality.

 —Leaving for Beijing?— ________. 

I have searched ________ for the book but couldn’t find it.