You needn't have apologized for your absence—________, it's hardly your fault.
His parents meant him_____________ scientific research, but he showed no interest and turned poet.
Exercise is__________ as any other to lose unwanted weight.
—What do you think of your nephew?—He__________ be very naughty but at the same time you poor.
The young man spent as much time as he _____ over his lessons.
--- Who should I send this message to ? --- The mayor is the one ___ ?