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Question

Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part of the sentence:
The teacher advised him to not waste time.

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Question Paper (25-Sep-2025) (Shift 3)
The correct answer is
not to waste time

Grammar Analysis: Replacing Highlighted Phrase

The original sentence structure is: "The teacher advised him to not waste time." We need to find the best replacement for the infinitive phrase "to not waste time".

Understanding 'Advise' Verb Structure

The verb 'advised' is often followed by an object and an infinitive phrase. When giving negative advice or commands, the structure is typically:

  • advise someone + not to + base verb

For example: "I advise you not to go there."

Evaluating the Options

  • Option 1: $that he should not waste time$ This structure is common in reported speech for commands or strong suggestions (e.g., He said, "Don't waste time." -> He advised him that he should not waste time.). However, the original sentence uses an infinitive structure ("advised him to..."), making Option 2 a more direct replacement.
  • Option 2: $not to waste time$ This perfectly fits the standard grammatical structure of "advise someone + not to + verb". It directly replaces "to not waste time" while maintaining the intended meaning and grammatical form.
  • Option 3: $to waste not time$ This option has incorrect word order for a negative infinitive.
  • Option 4: $to avoid wasting time$ While grammatically correct in English ("advised him to avoid..."), it slightly changes the directness. "Advise not to" is a more common and direct way to express the negative instruction compared to "advise to avoid". Option 2 is a closer match to the original phrasing's intent.

Conclusion

Option 2, "not to waste time", is the most suitable and grammatically correct replacement for the highlighted part, adhering to the standard structure for giving negative advice with the verb 'advise'.

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Important Questions from Sentence Improvement

  1. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.

    Transnational linkages, for example, sever the nation-state’s integrity and corrupt state-society relations.

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    His illness became a blessing in disguise when he married his nurse.

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  4. Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If no substitution is required, select ‘No substitution’.
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  5. Select the option that will improve the underlined part of the given sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select 'No improvement required'.
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