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Question

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'.

You (will being surprised) to learn that some leading philosophers have supported immoral views.

The correct answer is

will be surprised

Improving Sentence Structure and Grammar

The question asks us to find the best way to improve the bracketed part of the sentence: "You (will being surprised) to learn that some leading philosophers have supported immoral views." We need to analyze the grammatical structure and choose the option that makes the sentence correct and clear.

Analyzing the Original Sentence Part: "will being surprised"

The phrase "will being surprised" contains a grammatical error. The modal verb "will" is followed by "being," which is the present participle form of "be." Modal verbs like "will", "can", "should", etc., are typically followed by the base form of the main verb. For example, we say "will go", "can do", "should be".

The structure should generally be: \( \text{Modal Verb} + \text{Base Form of Verb} \)

In this case, the verb related to surprise is needed. The original phrase attempts to convey that the subject ("You") will be in a state of surprise. This state is usually expressed using the verb "be" followed by an adjective (like "surprised" acting as a past participle here) or using the passive voice ("you will be surprised by something").

The phrase "being surprised" itself can be part of other structures (e.g., gerund phrases), but it does not correctly follow the modal verb "will" directly in this context to form a future tense or future passive construction.

Evaluating the Improvement Options

Let's look at the given alternatives:

  • Option 1: will be surprised
  • Option 2: will be surprise
  • Option 3: will be surprising
  • Option 4: no improvement

Analyzing Option 1: "will be surprised"

This option uses the structure \( \text{will} + \text{be} + \text{past participle} \). This forms the future tense passive voice. "You will be surprised" means that something will cause you to be surprised, or you will experience surprise. This structure is grammatically correct and fits the context of the sentence, where learning something unexpected causes surprise.

Example: "You will be surprised by the news." Here, the news causes the surprise.

Analyzing Option 2: "will be surprise"

This option uses "surprise" as a noun following "will be." While "surprise" can be a noun, this construction is not grammatically correct for expressing the state of being surprised in this way. We don't say "You will be surprise."

Analyzing Option 3: "will be surprising"

This option uses the structure \( \text{will} + \text{be} + \text{present participle} \). This can form the future continuous tense (e.g., "You will be surprising them tomorrow" meaning you will be performing an action of surprising) or use "surprising" as an adjective describing the subject (e.g., "You will be surprising" meaning you yourself will be a source of surprise). Neither of these meanings fits the original sentence's intent, which is that *you* will experience surprise upon learning something.

Analyzing Option 4: "no improvement"

As established earlier, the original phrase "will being surprised" is grammatically incorrect. Therefore, improvement is needed.

Determining the Correct Improvement

Comparing the options, "will be surprised" is the only grammatically correct and contextually appropriate way to express that the subject will experience surprise upon learning the information.

The corrected sentence reads: "You will be surprised to learn that some leading philosophers have supported immoral views."

Phrase Grammatical Structure Correct? Reason
will being surprised will + being + past participle No Incorrect form after modal verb 'will'.
will be surprised will + be + past participle Yes Future passive voice / Expresses state of being surprised.
will be surprise will + be + noun No Incorrect word form (noun used instead of adjective/verb form).
will be surprising will + be + present participle No Implies future continuous action of surprising or subject being surprising, not subject being surprised.

Conclusion on Sentence Improvement

Based on the analysis of grammar rules, specifically the use of modal verbs and the expression of the state of being surprised, the phrase "will be surprised" is the correct improvement for the bracketed part.

Revision Table: Grammar Focus

Concept Explanation Example
Modal Verbs Verbs like will, can, should, must, etc. Followed by the base form of the main verb. You can go now.
They must study hard.
We will finish soon.
Passive Voice (Future) Formed with will + be + past participle. Subject receives the action. The letter will be sent tomorrow.
He will be praised by his teacher.
Expressing Surprise Often expressed as "be surprised" followed by "by" (the cause) or "to" (an action leading to surprise). I was surprised by the gift.
I was surprised to see you here.
You will be surprised to learn...

Additional Information: Understanding Verb Forms After "Be"

The verb "be" can be followed by different forms depending on the structure:

  • Be + Adjective: Describes the state or quality of the subject. Example: She is happy. They will be ready. You will be surprised.
  • Be + Present Participle (-ing): Forms continuous tenses. Example: I am studying. They were playing. You will be waiting.
  • Be + Past Participle (-ed or irregular): Forms passive voice or perfect tenses (with have/has/had). Example: The door was opened. They are invited. The work had been finished.

In the case of "surprised," it functions like an adjective here (describing the state of being surprised), which comes from the past participle of the verb "surprise." Therefore, "will be surprised" correctly uses "be" followed by this form to indicate a future state.

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Important Questions from Phrase Replacement

  1. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, No substitution required.

    Not knowing the language and having no acquaintances in the city, he found it hard getting work.

  2. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.

    Gayatri informed one of the directors that she has sent the material for printing.

  3. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select option No substitution required.

    We had been almost halfway there when the left rear tyre blew out

  4. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select option No substitution required.

    The man spent a lot because he had so large amount of money.

  5. Select the word segment that substitutes (replaces) the bracketed word segment correctly and completes the sentence meaningfully. Select the option 'no correction required' if the sentence is correct as given.
    In simple words ‘Welfare’ (mean a state of well being and happy.)
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