When the expression first came into being, people refused （拒绝）to use it but _____ they began to accept it. 

Five firemen ________ escaped death when a staircase collapsed beneath their feet. 

 It seems that living green is ________ easy and affordable. A small step makes a big difference.

All the books written by Dickens are available in our library. You may borrow ___ you love. 

I don’t like her face;        , she smokes, which is something I hate.