Direction: Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.
normally
Understanding the Fill in the Blank Question
The question asks us to choose the most appropriate word to fill the blank in the sentence: "My brother is _____ punctual, but he is late today." The sentence structure suggests that the first part describes a usual characteristic or habit of the brother, while the second part ("but he is late today") indicates an exception to this usual state. Therefore, we need a word that means 'usually' or 'habitually'.
Analyzing the Options for Sentence Completion
Let's examine each option to see which one best fits the context of the sentence.
- normatively: This word relates to established standards, rules, or norms. For example, "Normatively, students should arrive before the bell." It doesn't describe a personal habit or usual behaviour in the sense needed here.
- primarily: This means mainly, mostly, or of chief importance. For example, "His success is primarily due to hard work." While it indicates a dominant aspect, it doesn't convey the sense of 'usually' or 'habitually' being punctual.
- normally: This adverb means under normal circumstances, usually, or habitually. For example, "He normally wakes up at 6 AM." This fits the context perfectly, suggesting that being punctual is the brother's usual behaviour, with today being an exception.
- basically: This means fundamentally, essentially, or in the simplest form. For example, "Basically, the plan is to save money." It summarises the core nature of something but doesn't describe the frequency or usual state of being punctual.
Choosing the Correct Adverb
Based on the analysis, the word that most accurately conveys the meaning of 'usually punctual' is normally. The sentence "My brother is normally punctual, but he is late today" clearly states that his usual behaviour is punctuality, contrasting with the exception of being late today.
Therefore, normally is the most appropriate word for the blank space.
| Option | Meaning | Fits the context? |
|---|---|---|
| normatively | Relating to norms/rules | No |
| primarily | Mainly/mostly | No |
| normally | Usually/habitually | Yes |
| basically | Fundamentally/essentially | No |
Confirming the Answer
The word "normally" correctly completes the sentence to express that the brother is usually punctual, but today is an exception. This aligns with the structure and meaning of the sentence.
Revision Table: Key Adverbs
| Adverb | Common Meaning | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Normatively | According to norms or rules | Decisions are made normatively based on company policy. |
| Primarily | Mainly or mostly | The report is primarily concerned with budget issues. |
| Normally | Usually or habitually | I normally finish work by 5 PM. |
| Basically | Fundamentally or essentially | Basically, we need more resources. |
Additional Information: Adverbs of Frequency
The word "normally" is an adverb of frequency, although it indicates 'usual' circumstances rather than strict frequency like 'always' or 'never'. Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens. Some common adverbs of frequency include:
- Always (100%)
- Usually (often, normally) (80-90%)
- Frequently (often) (70-80%)
- Sometimes (50%)
- Occasionally (30-40%)
- Rarely (seldom) (10-20%)
- Never (0%)
These adverbs are often placed before the main verb (except for the verb 'to be', where they usually come after), or sometimes at the beginning or end of a sentence.
In our sentence, "My brother is normally punctual," "normally" is placed after the verb 'is' (a form of 'to be'), which is a typical position for such adverbs when used with 'to be'.
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Important Questions from Fill in the Blanks
Directions: Fill in the blanks with the word that best completes the sentence.
With a less rapid expansion of the economy, we should make________ progress toward stable price levels.
Directions: Fill in the blanks with the word that best completes the sentence.
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Many people today have fallen into utter confusion of values with the result that they cannot______ the good from the bad.
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Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly.
His property was divided ______ his daughters and sons.
