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". The trick is in (keep) the flavours simple and fresh.
Keeping
Analyzing the Sentence Improvement Question
The question asks us to improve the bracketed part "(keep)" in the sentence: "The trick is in (keep) the flavours simple and fresh." We need to choose the correct grammatical form to follow the preposition "in".
Understanding Prepositions and Following Words
In English grammar, when a preposition is followed by a verb, the verb is almost always in its -ing form, which is called a gerund. A gerund functions like a noun.
The structure is typically: Preposition + Gerund (-ing form)
Evaluating the Options
Let's look at the provided options for the bracketed part "(keep)":
- (keep): This is the base form of the verb. Following the preposition "in", a base verb form is grammatically incorrect in this context.
- Keeping: This is the gerund form of the verb "keep". It functions as a noun and correctly follows the preposition "in". The phrase "in keeping" is a common and grammatically sound construction.
- Keeps: This is the third-person singular simple present tense form of the verb. It is used for actions performed by a singular subject in the present tense (e.g., "He keeps"). It cannot follow a preposition like "in" in this way.
- To Keep: This is the infinitive form of the verb. While infinitives can sometimes function as nouns, they typically do not follow prepositions directly in this kind of structure. The phrase "in to keep" is not standard English grammar.
- No Improvement: Since the original bracketed part "(keep)" is grammatically incorrect after the preposition "in", improvement is needed.
Determining the Correct Improvement
Based on the rule that prepositions are followed by gerunds, the word needed after "in" should be the -ing form of the verb "keep". This form is "Keeping".
Let's substitute "Keeping" into the sentence:
The trick is in keeping the flavours simple and fresh.
This sentence structure is grammatically correct and makes perfect sense. The phrase "in keeping" means "in the act of keeping".
Conclusion
The original sentence requires the gerund form of the verb "keep" after the preposition "in". The option that provides the correct gerund form is "Keeping". Therefore, "Keeping" improves the bracketed part of the sentence.
Revision Table: Verb Forms After Prepositions
| Preposition | Verb Form That Follows | Example |
|---|---|---|
| About | Gerund (-ing) | He talked about going home. |
| For | Gerund (-ing) | Thank you for helping me. |
| In | Gerund (-ing) | She is interested in learning languages. |
| On | Gerund (-ing) | They insisted on paying the bill. |
| By | Gerund (-ing) | You can improve by practicing daily. |
| Without | Gerund (-ing) | He left without saying goodbye. |
Additional Information on Gerunds
A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun. It can be used as a subject, an object, or, as in this question, after a preposition.
- Subject: Swimming is good exercise.
- Object: I enjoy reading.
- After a preposition: She is good at solving problems.
Understanding when to use gerunds, especially after prepositions, is crucial for correct English grammar and sentence construction.
Important Questions from Phrase Replacement
Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select No improvement.
The questions are so simple that a child can understand it .
Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select No improvement.
Even children shrink away from food thinking that they should become overweight.
Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select No substitution required.
The weather reports is prepared by the Meteorological Department of the Government.
Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select No improvement.
He decided to leave very quickly the hotel.
Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select ‘No substitution required’.
I have been worked hard to finish this project.
