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Question

Improve the underlined part of the sentence. Choose ‘No improvement’ as an answer if the sentence is grammatically correct.

She works for eight hours every weekday.

The correct answer is

No improvement

Analyzing the Sentence for Improvement

The question asks us to identify if the underlined part of the sentence "She works for eight hours every weekday." needs any improvement. Let's break down the underlined phrase and the sentence as a whole to determine its grammatical correctness.

Understanding the Underlined Phrase: "for eight hours every weekday"

The phrase "for eight hours" indicates the duration of time she works. The preposition "for" is commonly used to specify the length of time an action continues. "Eight hours" correctly quantifies this duration. "Every weekday" specifies the frequency of this action. The structure "works for [duration] [frequency]" is a standard and grammatically sound way to express routine work habits.

Evaluating the Options for Sentence Improvement

Let's examine each option provided to see if it offers a grammatically correct and appropriate alternative to the underlined part.

  • Option 1: for eight hourly

    The word "hourly" is typically used as an adjective (e.g., hourly wage) or an adverb (e.g., paid hourly). It does not fit grammatically here to describe a duration of "eight". We work for eight hours, not for eight hourly.

  • Option 2: for eighth hours

    "Eighth" is an ordinal number, used to indicate position in a sequence (like first, second, third). When counting a quantity like hours, we use cardinal numbers (one, two, eight). Therefore, "eighth hours" is incorrect; it should be "eight hours".

  • Option 3: of eighth hour

    The preposition "of" is generally not used to indicate the duration of work. Also, as explained above, "eighth hour" incorrectly uses an ordinal number instead of a cardinal number ("eight hours"). This option is grammatically incorrect and changes the meaning.

  • Option 4: No improvement

    This option suggests that the original sentence is grammatically correct as it is. Based on our analysis, the phrase "for eight hours every weekday" correctly uses "for" to denote duration and correctly uses the cardinal number "eight" with the plural noun "hours" and the frequency "every weekday".

Conclusion: Why "No Improvement" is Correct

The original sentence, "She works for eight hours every weekday," is grammatically correct. The preposition "for" is correctly used with a period of time ("eight hours") to express duration. The frequency ("every weekday") is also expressed correctly. None of the alternative options provides a grammatically valid improvement. Therefore, no improvement is needed.

Comparison of Original Sentence Part and Options
Phrase Grammatical Correctness Explanation
for eight hours Correct "for" + duration is standard. "eight" is a cardinal number with "hours".
for eight hourly Incorrect "hourly" is misused here; it's an adjective/adverb.
for eighth hours Incorrect "eighth" is an ordinal number, incorrectly used for quantity.
of eighth hour Incorrect "of" is wrong preposition for duration. "eighth" is incorrect ordinal number.

Revision Table: Key Grammar Concepts

Grammar Points from Sentence Improvement
Concept Explanation Example
Preposition "For" for Duration Used to indicate the length of time something lasts. She studied for three hours.
Cardinal vs. Ordinal Numbers Cardinal: one, two, three (quantity). Ordinal: first, second, third (order). Use cardinal numbers for counting hours. We need two chairs. (Cardinal) He finished second in the race. (Ordinal)
Usage with "Every" "Every" is used with singular countable nouns to refer to all members of a group. "Every weekday" is correct. I go for a walk every morning.

Additional Information: Expressing Duration and Frequency

Expressing duration and frequency accurately is crucial in English grammar. While "for" is common for duration, other prepositions or structures can be used depending on the context.

  • Duration: Besides "for" (e.g., for a week, for two years), you can use phrases like "during" (e.g., during the meeting) or describe start and end points (e.g., from 9 to 5). However, "for" is standard for simply stating the length of time an activity occurs.
  • Frequency: Words like "every" (every day, every year), adverbs like "often," "sometimes," "never," or phrases like "twice a week," "once a month" are used to indicate how often an action happens. "Every weekday" means Monday through Friday.
  • Hours: When referring to a specific number of hours, always use the cardinal number followed by the plural noun "hours" (e.g., five hours, ten hours). "Hour" (singular) is used with "one" (one hour) or in phrases like "per hour" or "the first hour".

Understanding the correct usage of prepositions, numbers, and frequency markers helps ensure your sentences are clear and grammatically sound, especially when describing daily routines or work schedules.

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