Understanding Sentence Completion: Choosing the Correct Word

The question asks us to select the most appropriate word to fill the blank in the given sentence:

__________ every nation in the world is now administering vaccines.

Let's examine the options provided and determine which one fits grammatically and contextually.

• Nearly
• Near
• Nearest
• Nearer

Analyzing the Options for the Blank

We need a word that modifies the phrase "every nation" and indicates a high degree or approximation of completeness regarding the number of nations administering vaccines. Let's look at the typical usage of each option:

1. Nearly

The word 'Nearly' is an adverb. It means 'almost', 'very close to', or 'not quite completely'. It is often used to modify numbers, quantities, or concepts that imply a total or a high degree, such as 'every', 'all', or specific percentages.

Example: Nearly all students passed the exam. (Meaning: Almost all students passed)

In our sentence, "Nearly every nation" means 'almost every nation' or 'a very large number of nations'. This fits the context of many countries administering vaccines but perhaps not literally every single one.

2. Near

The word 'Near' can function as an adjective (meaning 'close in distance or time') or a preposition (meaning 'close to').

Example as adjective: The park is near. (Meaning: The park is close by)

Example as preposition: He lives near the school. (Meaning: He lives close to the school)

Using 'Near' before "every nation" to describe quantity or degree does not make grammatical sense in standard English. "Near every nation" is not a common or correct phrase to indicate 'almost all nations'.

3. Nearest

'Nearest' is the superlative form of 'near'. It is typically used as an adjective to mean 'closest in distance' among three or more things.

Example: This is the nearest bus stop. (Meaning: This bus stop is the closest one)

Using 'Nearest' before "every nation" does not make grammatical sense. It is used for physical or temporal closeness, not for modifying quantity or degree in this way.

4. Nearer

'Nearer' is the comparative form of 'near'. It is typically used as an adjective or adverb to mean 'closer' when comparing two things or indicating movement towards something.

Example: The station is nearer than the library. (Meaning: The station is closer than the library)

Example: He moved nearer the edge. (Meaning: He moved closer to the edge)

Using 'Nearer' before "every nation" does not fit the context or grammar. It implies a comparison of closeness, which is not relevant here.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, 'Nearly' is the only word that correctly fills the blank to convey the intended meaning that a very high proportion or almost all nations are administering vaccines. The sentence "Nearly every nation in the world is now administering vaccines" is grammatically correct and makes perfect sense.

The completed sentence is: Nearly every nation in the world is now administering vaccines.

Revision Table: Adverbs and Adjectives Related to 'Near'

Additional Information: Modifiers of Quantity

English uses various words to modify nouns and phrases, indicating quantity, degree, or approximation. Understanding the subtle differences between adverbs like 'nearly' and adjectives/prepositions like 'near' is crucial for accurate sentence construction.

• Adverbs like 'nearly' often modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, but they can also modify phrases expressing quantity or totality (like 'every', 'all', 'a hundred percent') to indicate approximation.
• Adjectives like 'near', 'nearest', and 'nearer' typically describe nouns (e.g., a near future, the nearest town) or function as adverbs indicating proximity (e.g., stand near, come nearer). They are not generally used to modify determiners like 'every' to express quantity approximation.
• In the context of large numbers or totalities, adverbs like 'nearly', 'almost', 'practically', and 'virtually' are used to indicate that the statement is true for a very high percentage, even if not absolutely 100%.