18. It was because of English girlfriend, believe it or not, ______ his English improved so greatly.

下列括号中对句中加点词的解释，完全正确的一项是

Could you tell me how long __________ thefootball club

How about your new book— It won’t be long before it ______.

I’m planning to hold a party in the open air, but I can make no guarantees because it __________ the weather.[ ]