He apologized _____ having to leave so early.

The purpose of the conference is to （ ） the friendship among the Asian countries.

Smoking is not good （ ） you because it can affect your health.

I’m not used to （ ） in that impolite way.

The chemical factory was torn down （ ） protecting the environment.

Yon don’t have the right to blame me _____ being late， for I was busy typing your business invitations.

We must find a way to cut prices （ ） reducing our profits too much.

You might not like the way Sam behaves, but please be kind to him.______ , he is your grandfather.

Little （ ） he knew about classical music, he pretended to be an expert on it.

—Do you like pop music or country music? —（ ）. I only like sports.

The volcanoes that raised the islands are still （ ） places.

The tribe had been living in that part of the area for generations until the civil war ______.