Direction: Look at the underlined part of each sentence. Below each sentence are given three possible substitutions for the bold/underlined part. If one of them (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, indicate your response against the corresponding letter. If none of the substitutions improves the sentence, indicate (d) as your response. I shall be obliged if youcould grantme an interview.
No improvement
Understanding the Sentence and Underlined Phrase
The sentence is: "I shall be obliged if you could grant me an interview."
This sentence is a polite, formal request for an interview. The speaker expresses gratitude in advance ("I shall be obliged") for the potential action ("if you could grant me an interview"). The underlined phrase "could grant me" is the core of the request.
Analyzing the Options for Substitution
We need to examine if substituting "could grant me" with any of the options ("Give", "Allow", "Permit") improves the sentence or if the original phrase is the best fit.
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Option 1: Give
If we replace "could grant me" with "could give me", the sentence becomes: "I shall be obliged if you could give me an interview." While grammatically correct, "give me an interview" is less formal and less idiomatic in this context compared to "grant me an interview". 'Grant' implies formally bestowing something, which suits the nature of requesting a professional interview.
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Option 2: Allow
Replacing with "could allow me" results in: "I shall be obliged if you could allow me an interview." This phrasing is also grammatically correct. However, "allow" often suggests permitting access or action (e.g., "allow me to speak"). "Grant" specifically means to agree to a request or formally give something, which aligns better with the idea of someone deciding to provide an interview opportunity.
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Option 3: Permit
Using "could permit me" gives: "I shall be obliged if you could permit me an interview." Similar to "allow", "permit" usually relates to giving formal permission for something to happen or for someone to do something (e.g., "permit entry"). "Grant" remains the more standard and appropriate verb for formally acceding to a request for something like an interview or a wish.
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Option 4: No improvement
The original phrase "could grant me an interview" is a standard, polite, and formal way to request an interview. The use of "could" makes the request tentative and polite, softening the directness. "Grant" is the appropriate verb when someone in a position of authority or influence accedes to a request or bestows something.
Comparing 'Grant', 'Give', 'Allow', and 'Permit' in Context
Let's look at the typical usage:
- Grant: Often used for formal requests, wishes, rights, or property (e.g., grant a wish, grant permission, grant a visa, grant an interview).
- Give: A general verb meaning to transfer possession or provide something. Can be used informally for interviews, but "grant" is more formal.
- Allow: Means to permit or let happen, often related to access or action (e.g., allow entry, allow smoking, allow me to explain).
- Permit: Similar to allow, often implies formal permission or authorization (e.g., permit parking, permit construction, permit access).
In the context of requesting an interview from someone who decides whether to offer it, "grant" fits the formal nature of the interaction and the idea of bestowing an opportunity.
Conclusion on Sentence Improvement
The original phrase "could grant me an interview" is already well-suited for a polite, formal request for an interview. The alternative options, while not strictly incorrect grammatically in isolation, do not improve the sentence's formality or idiomatic correctness in this specific context.
Therefore, no improvement is needed for the underlined part.
| Phrase | Suitability for Formal Interview Request |
|---|---|
| Could grant me an interview | Highly suitable (Standard, polite, formal) |
| Could give me an interview | Less suitable (Less formal) |
| Could allow me an interview | Less suitable (Not the most idiomatic verb for this context) |
| Could permit me an interview | Less suitable (Not the most idiomatic verb for this context) |
Revision Table: Key Takeaways
| Concept | Explanation |
|---|---|
| "Could grant" | Polite and formal phrasing for requests. |
| Verb "Grant" | Appropriate for formally acceding to a request or bestowing something like an interview. |
| Verb "Give" | More general and less formal than "grant". |
| Verbs "Allow", "Permit" | Typically relate to permitting access or action, less idiomatic for bestowing an interview opportunity. |
Additional Information: Politeness in Requests
In English, particularly in formal contexts, modal verbs and conditional structures are often used to make requests more polite and less direct. Examples include:
- Using "could", "would", "might" (e.g., "Could you help?", "Would you mind...?", "Might I ask?").
- Using "please".
- Using phrases like "I wonder if...", "Would it be possible...".
- Using conditional clauses like "if you could..." as seen in the question sentence.
The structure "I shall be obliged if you could..." is a classic example of a very polite and formal request, commonly used in letters or formal communication.
Similar Questions
Look at the underlined part of each sentence. Below each sentence are given three possible substitutions for the underlined part. If one of them (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, indicate your response against the corresponding letter. If none of the substitutions improves the sentence, indicate (d) as your response.
Go north-east across the mountains till you will reach an island.
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It is hard these days to cope with the rising prices.
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He took a loan of hundred rupees from me.
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From the last five days, it has been raining torrentially.
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The Prime Minister had wide-ranging discussions on the international situation.
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The teacher, along with her three children, were taken to hospital.
Look at the underlined part of each sentence. Below each sentence are given three possible substitutions for the underlined part. If one of them (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, indicate your response against the corresponding letter. If none of the substitutions improves the sentence, indicate (d) as your response.
The man disappeared after he was rescuing a boy from drowning.Look at the underlined part of each sentence. Below each sentence are given three possible substitutions for the underlined part. If one of them (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, indicate your response against the corresponding letter. If none of the substitutions improves the sentence, indicate (d) as your response.
By 8.00 in the morning he wrote four letters to his friends.
Look at the underlined part of each sentence. Below each sentence are given three possible substitutions for the underlined part. If one of them (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, indicate your response against the corresponding letter. If none of the substitutions improves the sentence, indicate (d) as your response.
The chairman with the other members of the board are touring Europe these days.
Look at the underlined part of each sentence. Below each sentence are given three possible substitutions for the underlined part. If one of them (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, indicate your response against the corresponding letter. If none of the substitutions improves the sentence, indicate (d) as your response.
Your services are dispensed for.
Important Questions from Phrase Replacement
Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select No improvement.
The questions are so simple that a child can understand it .
Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select No improvement.
Even children shrink away from food thinking that they should become overweight.
Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select No substitution required.
The weather reports is prepared by the Meteorological Department of the Government.
Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select No improvement.
He decided to leave very quickly the hotel.
Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select ‘No substitution required’.
I have been worked hard to finish this project.
