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". In fact, (be) among so many happy people can automatically cheer you up.
being
Analyzing the Sentence and Finding the Subject
The given sentence is: "In fact, (be) among so many happy people can automatically cheer you up."
We need to identify the correct form of the verb 'be' to replace the bracketed part '(be)' so that the sentence is grammatically correct. The phrase immediately after the comma, which includes the bracketed part, needs to function as the subject of the main verb 'can automatically cheer up'.
Understanding Subject Forms in English Grammar
In English, the subject of a sentence is typically a noun or a pronoun. However, verb forms can also function as subjects. The two main verb forms that can act as subjects are:
- Infinitives: The base form of the verb preceded by 'to' (e.g., to run, to eat, to be).
- Gerunds: The '-ing' form of the verb used as a noun (e.g., running, eating, being).
In the sentence "In fact, [...] can automatically cheer you up", the blank space needs to be filled with a phrase that acts as the subject causing the cheering up. This subject phrase describes the state or action of being among happy people.
Evaluating the Options for Sentence Improvement
Let's examine each alternative provided:
| Option | Verb Form | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| 1. to be | Infinitive | "To be among so many happy people" - This phrase can function as a subject. For example, "To err is human." |
| 2. been | Past Participle | "Been among so many happy people" - 'been' is the past participle. It cannot function as the subject in this sentence structure on its own. |
| 3. being | Gerund | "Being among so many happy people" - This gerund phrase can function as a subject. For example, "Swimming is fun." |
| 4. no improvement | Base form | "(be) among so many happy people" - The base form 'be' cannot function as the subject here. The sentence "Be among so many happy people can automatically cheer you up" is grammatically incorrect. |
Determining the Best Fit: 'being' vs 'to be'
Both 'to be' (infinitive) and 'being' (gerund) can function as subjects. However, gerunds are frequently used as subjects when referring to an activity or a state as a general concept or experience. The sentence describes the general state of being among happy people and its effect.
While "To be among so many happy people can automatically cheer you up" is grammatically acceptable, "Being among so many happy people can automatically cheer you up" sounds more natural and is the more common way to express the idea of the state of being as the subject causing an effect.
Therefore, replacing '(be)' with 'being' creates a grammatically correct and natural-sounding sentence.
Conclusion on Sentence Improvement
Based on the analysis, the gerund 'being' is the most appropriate form to improve the bracketed part and function as the subject of the sentence.
Revision Table: Improving the Sentence Part
| Original Part | Improved Part | Grammatical Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (be) | being | The sentence requires a gerund phrase ('Being among...') or an infinitive phrase ('To be among...') to function as the subject. 'Being' (the gerund) is the more common and natural choice when referring to the state of being as a general concept causing an effect. |
Additional Information: Gerunds and Infinitives as Subjects
Understanding when to use gerunds and infinitives as subjects is key to mastering English grammar.
- Gerunds as Subjects: Often used to talk about activities or states in a general sense.
- Examples: Reading is my favourite hobby. Smoking is bad for your health. Living in the city can be expensive.
- Infinitives as Subjects: Can also be used as subjects, sometimes sounding more formal or focusing on the potential or purpose of an action.
- Examples: To learn is important. To forgive is divine. To travel the world is my dream.
In many cases, either form can be used, but sometimes one sounds more natural than the other depending on the specific verb or context. For verbs like 'be' referring to a state, the gerund 'being' is very commonly used as a subject.
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.
