Fill in the blank with the correct word: __________ he was late, he come home by nine.

Correct answer: Although

Explanation: The blank needs a conjunction that introduces a contrast in the sentence '__________ he was late, he came home by nine,' indicating that despite being late, he still arrived by nine. 'Although' is the correct choice, as it introduces a subordinate clause showing contrast between being late and arriving on time. A. Even ❌: Suggests addition or emphasis, not contrast. B. Although ✅: Shows contrast, fitting the context of being late yet arriving by nine. C. Because ❌: Indicates cause, not suitable for contrasting ideas. D. Despite ❌: Requires a noun phrase, not a clause, so it’s grammatically incorrect here. Correct Answer: B. Although.