In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the bracketed part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select "no improvement". LPG quickly (gain) popularity as it was easy to use and did not tarnish vessels.
gained
Analyzing the Sentence Improvement Question
The question asks us to select the best alternative to replace the bracketed part "(gain)" in the sentence: "LPG quickly (gain) popularity as it was easy to use and did not tarnish vessels." We need to determine the correct verb form that fits the context of the sentence.
Identifying the Correct Verb Tense
The sentence describes an event that happened in the past: "LPG quickly (gain) popularity...". The reasons given for this popularity ("as it was easy to use and did not tarnish vessels") are also presented in the past tense ("was easy", "did not tarnish"). This indicates that the gaining of popularity is a completed action that occurred in the past. Therefore, the verb "gain" needs to be in a past tense form.
Evaluating the Options
Let's examine each provided option:
- Option 1: gaining - This is the present participle form. It is typically used to form continuous tenses (e.g., "was gaining") or as a gerund or part of a participial phrase. Standing alone after "quickly", it doesn't fit the structure for a simple past action.
- Option 2: will gain - This is the future tense. The sentence describes past reasons for popularity ("was easy", "did not tarnish"), clearly indicating a past context, not a future one.
- Option 3: gained - This is the simple past tense form of "gain". This tense is used to describe completed actions that happened at a specific point or period in the past. In the sentence "LPG quickly gained popularity...", "gained" fits perfectly to describe a past action that was completed quickly.
- Option 4: no improvement - The original bracketed part "(gain)" is the base form of the verb. It is not appropriate here because the sentence requires a past tense verb to match the context. Therefore, improvement is needed.
Determining the Best Fit
Based on the analysis of the sentence structure and the need for a past tense verb to describe a completed action, the simple past tense form "gained" is the most appropriate choice.
The improved sentence would read: "LPG quickly gained popularity as it was easy to use and did not tarnish vessels."
This structure correctly uses the simple past tense ("gained") to align with the past context provided by the dependent clause ("as it was easy to use and did not tarnish vessels").
Conclusion on Improving the Bracketed Part
Comparing the options, "gained" is the only form that correctly places the action of gaining popularity in the past, consistent with the rest of the sentence's tense.
Revision Table: Simple Past Tense
| Verb Tense | Usage | Example related to 'gain' |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Past | Completed action in the past. Often used with time expressions like 'yesterday', 'last week', 'quickly' (referring to past speed). | LPG quickly gained popularity. |
| Present Continuous | Action happening now or around now. | LPG is gaining popularity (present). |
| Past Continuous | Action happening over a period in the past. | LPG was gaining popularity (when something else happened). |
| Future Simple | Action that will happen in the future. | LPG will gain popularity (in the future). |
Additional Information: Context and Verb Tense
Choosing the correct verb tense is crucial for conveying the timing of an action or state. In this sentence, the context provided by the subordinate clause ("as it was easy to use and did not tarnish vessels") clearly establishes a past timeframe. The main verb describing the gaining of popularity must align with this past context. Using the simple past tense "gained" indicates a completed action in the past, which fits the narrative structure of the sentence.
Always look at the surrounding verbs and any time adverbs or phrases in the sentence to determine the appropriate tense for the main verb.
Important Questions from Error Spotting
Direction: Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c) Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
A honest mistake (a) / is no more than that; (b) / just an honest mistake. (c) / No error (d)Direction: Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c) Read each sentence to determine whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
A company of five thousand soldiers , (a) / having marched tirelessly for over five days , (b) / have just moved into their cantonment . (c) / No error (d)Direction: Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c) Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
Every person who believes in principles (a) / must stand up to fight (b) / for their convictions . (c) / No error (d)Direction: Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c) Read each sentence to determine whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
The Olympic Games reflects(a) / the highest spirit of (b) / human endeavour and achievement . (c) / No error (d)Direction: Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c) Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
The principal of the school (a) / stressed the need for discipline (b) / amongst the students. (c) / No error (d)
