Select the best version of the underlined part of the sentence. If you think the original sentence is best, choose the first answer.
Our offices are located in an old building on the outskirts of campus that was formerly, a tavern.
- A. formerly
- B. formally
- C. formidably
- D. formality
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The word "formerly" accurately indicates that the building was previously a tavern, highlighting its past use. Option B, "formally," refers to official or ceremonial contexts, which does not fit the intended meaning. Option C, "formidably," suggests something impressive or intimidating, irrelevant in this context. Lastly, option D, "formality," denotes an official procedure or requirement, which is not applicable here. Thus, "formerly" is the only choice that correctly conveys the idea of a past state, making it the appropriate selection.
The word "formerly" accurately indicates that the building was previously a tavern, highlighting its past use. Option B, "formally," refers to official or ceremonial contexts, which does not fit the intended meaning. Option C, "formidably," suggests something impressive or intimidating, irrelevant in this context. Lastly, option D, "formality," denotes an official procedure or requirement, which is not applicable here. Thus, "formerly" is the only choice that correctly conveys the idea of a past state, making it the appropriate selection.
Other Related Questions
Our math teacher claimed that calculus, despite its complexities, were as easy as any other subject.
- A. were as
- B. was as
- C. is to be
- D. to be
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
In this context, the subject "calculus" is singular, so it requires a singular verb form. "Was as" correctly matches the singular subject, indicating that calculus is being compared to other subjects in the past. Option A, "were as," incorrectly uses the plural verb "were," which does not agree with the singular noun "calculus." Option C, "is to be," implies a future action or state, which does not fit the intended meaning of comparing past experiences. Option D, "to be," lacks a verb and does not form a complete thought, making it grammatically incorrect.
In this context, the subject "calculus" is singular, so it requires a singular verb form. "Was as" correctly matches the singular subject, indicating that calculus is being compared to other subjects in the past. Option A, "were as," incorrectly uses the plural verb "were," which does not agree with the singular noun "calculus." Option C, "is to be," implies a future action or state, which does not fit the intended meaning of comparing past experiences. Option D, "to be," lacks a verb and does not form a complete thought, making it grammatically incorrect.
Despite the difficulties he had encountered, the mountain climber had no fear when it ________ to high mountains.
- A. comes
- B. came
- C. has come
- D. had come
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B, "came," is appropriate here as it uses the simple past tense, which aligns with the context of the sentence about the climber's past experiences with high mountains. This tense indicates a completed action in the past, fitting well with "despite the difficulties he had encountered." Option A, "comes," is incorrect because it uses the simple present tense, which does not match the past context of the sentence. Option C, "has come," is also unsuitable since it implies a connection to the present, which does not align with the past experiences being discussed. Option D, "had come," suggests a past perfect tense that is unnecessary in this context, as the simple past suffices to convey the intended meaning.
Option B, "came," is appropriate here as it uses the simple past tense, which aligns with the context of the sentence about the climber's past experiences with high mountains. This tense indicates a completed action in the past, fitting well with "despite the difficulties he had encountered." Option A, "comes," is incorrect because it uses the simple present tense, which does not match the past context of the sentence. Option C, "has come," is also unsuitable since it implies a connection to the present, which does not align with the past experiences being discussed. Option D, "had come," suggests a past perfect tense that is unnecessary in this context, as the simple past suffices to convey the intended meaning.
In sentence 8 (reproduced below), which of the following best replaces 'they'? Rather than commuting long distances, they can use their home computers to maneuver simple wheeled robots around the head office
- A. high-tech engineers
- B. remote workers
- C. sophisticated robots
- D. employers
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B, "remote workers," accurately identifies the subject who would benefit from using home computers to control robots instead of commuting. This term directly relates to individuals who work from home, aligning with the context of the sentence. Option A, "high-tech engineers," is too specific and does not encompass all individuals who might work remotely. Option C, "sophisticated robots," incorrectly refers to machines rather than people, making it irrelevant in this context. Option D, "employers," shifts the focus from the workers to those who manage them, which does not fit the intended meaning of the sentence.
Option B, "remote workers," accurately identifies the subject who would benefit from using home computers to control robots instead of commuting. This term directly relates to individuals who work from home, aligning with the context of the sentence. Option A, "high-tech engineers," is too specific and does not encompass all individuals who might work remotely. Option C, "sophisticated robots," incorrectly refers to machines rather than people, making it irrelevant in this context. Option D, "employers," shifts the focus from the workers to those who manage them, which does not fit the intended meaning of the sentence.
According to scientists, the seven separate continents of the world, in the far distant past, one vast land mass.
- A. the world, in the far distant past
- B. the world, being in the far distant past
- C. the world were, in the far distant past
- D. the world was, in the far distant past
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Option D accurately uses the verb "was," which agrees with the singular subject "the world." This structure clearly conveys that, historically, the continents formed one vast land mass. Option A lacks a verb, making it an incomplete thought. Option B incorrectly uses "being," which is not suitable in this context and disrupts the sentence's clarity. Option C uses "were," which does not agree with the singular subject and creates confusion about the subject-verb relationship. Thus, D is the only option that maintains grammatical correctness and clarity.
Option D accurately uses the verb "was," which agrees with the singular subject "the world." This structure clearly conveys that, historically, the continents formed one vast land mass. Option A lacks a verb, making it an incomplete thought. Option B incorrectly uses "being," which is not suitable in this context and disrupts the sentence's clarity. Option C uses "were," which does not agree with the singular subject and creates confusion about the subject-verb relationship. Thus, D is the only option that maintains grammatical correctness and clarity.