Understanding Sentence Improvement with Verbs

The question asks us to identify the best alternative to improve the bracketed part “will peep” in the sentence: “A neem tree grew as a bonus on the side, raising its head high as if it wants (will peep) into my bedroom.”

We need to analyze the grammatical structure used after the verb “wants” in this context.

Analyzing the Bracketed Part: “will peep”

The phrase “as if it wants will peep” sounds grammatically awkward. The verb “wants” expresses a desire or intention. In English, when “want” is followed by another verb expressing the desired action, it is typically followed by the infinitive form, which is “to” + base verb.

Examining the Options for Improvement

Let's look at the given options:

• peep: This is the base form of the verb. After “wants,” we generally do not use the base form directly (e.g., “it wants peep” is incorrect).
• peeped: This is the past tense form of the verb. The sentence is describing the tree’s perceived present state or intention (“wants”), so the past tense “peeped” is not appropriate here.
• to peep: This is the infinitive form (“to” + base verb). This form is commonly used after verbs like “want,” “like,” “hope,” “decide,” etc., to indicate the action that is desired or intended (e.g., “it wants to sleep,” “they want to leave”). This fits the structure “as if it wants...” perfectly.
• no improvement: As “will peep” is grammatically incorrect after “wants” in this sentence, improvement is needed.

Applying the Correct Grammar Rule

The verb “want” when followed by another verb usually takes the infinitive form (to + verb). The structure “as if it wants to peep” correctly expresses the idea that the tree appears to have the desire or intention of peeping into the bedroom. The word “wants” indicates a present desire or tendency, and the infinitive “to peep” completes the expression of that desire.

Therefore, replacing “will peep” with “to peep” makes the sentence grammatically correct and natural.

Final Decision

Based on the analysis of the grammatical structure required after the verb “wants”, the correct improvement is “to peep”.

Revision Table: Verbs Followed by Infinitives

Additional Information: Verb Forms After Want

The verb “want” is typically followed by the infinitive form (“to” + base verb) when you are expressing a desire or wish for an action to happen. For example:

• I want to eat pizza.
• He wants to learn French.
• They want the meeting to finish early. (Note: “want” + object + infinitive)

In the given sentence, “it” (referring to the tree) is the subject, and the sentence attributes a “want” (desire) to it. The action desired is “peep.” Therefore, the correct form is “to peep.” While “want” can sometimes be followed by a noun or pronoun (e.g., “I want a drink,” “She wants him”), when it's followed by another verb describing the intended action, the infinitive form is used.