Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. We were having…

Correct answer: and

Explanation: 'And' links two actions or events that occur in sequence. In the sentence, the discussion was ongoing and then, unexpectedly, she came up with ideas. 'And' smoothly connects these successive actions.

• 'or' is inappropriate because it presents an alternative or choice, not a sequence of events.

• 'but' is inappropriate because it signals contrast, whereas the second clause continues the narrative rather than contradicting the first.

• 'so' is inappropriate because it implies a cause or result; the sentence is best read as a simple sequence, and 'so' would be awkward with 'suddenly'.

Example sentence: We were having discussions and suddenly she came up with some brilliant ideas.

Quick grammar note:

• Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS): for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. These join words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal rank.

• Subordinating conjunctions (examples): because, although, since, if, when, while. These introduce dependent clauses.

• Correlative conjunctions (examples): not only...but also, either...or, neither...nor, both...and. These work in pairs to join balanced elements.