________ 200BC, the Silk Road, which was the route for trade between the East and the West, was in use.

I’m afraid we can’t come, but thanks for the invitation_________.

I ran across a car crash in Hong Kong, and ________, both sides just politely exchanged the telephone numbers and cards, a surprise to me.

—I’ve heard a hurricane had struck your hometown. —Yes, it was terrible, but ____, no one was killed.

 the patient’s progress was encouraging as he could ______ get out of bed without help.