All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
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".

People (have got so addict) to their virtual life that they forget there is more to life than just sitting in front of a plastic box.

The correct answer is
Have got so addicted

Understanding Sentence Improvement

The question asks us to identify the best alternative to replace the bracketed part "have got so addict" in the sentence: "People (have got so addict) to their virtual life that they forget there is more to life than just sitting in front of a plastic box."

We need to analyze the original phrase and the options to ensure the sentence is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning.

Analyzing the Original Phrase: "have got so addict"

  • The subject of the sentence is "People", which is plural. The auxiliary verb "have" correctly agrees with the plural subject.
  • The phrase "have got" is a common construction, particularly in British English, meaning "have" or "possess" or reaching a certain state.
  • The issue lies with the word "addict". In this context, we need an adjective to describe the state of being addicted. "Addict" is primarily used as a noun (a person who is addicted) or a verb (to cause someone to become addicted). The correct adjective form is "addicted".

Therefore, the original phrase "have got so addict" is grammatically incorrect because it uses the noun or verb form "addict" where an adjective is required.

Evaluating the Options

Let's examine each provided option for improving the sentence:

  1. Have got so addicting

    This option uses the present participle "addicting". "Addicting" describes something that *causes* addiction (e.g., "an addicting game"). It does not describe the state of being addicted. This is incorrect in the context of people being in a state of addiction.

  2. Has got so addicted

    This option uses the correct adjective form "addicted". However, it uses the singular auxiliary verb "Has". The subject "People" is plural and requires the plural auxiliary verb "Have". This option demonstrates incorrect subject-verb agreement.

  3. Have got so addicted

    This option uses the plural auxiliary verb "Have", which correctly agrees with the plural subject "People". It uses the correct adjective form "addicted", which accurately describes the state of being addicted. This phrase is grammatically sound and fits the context.

  4. No improvement

    As analyzed earlier, the original phrase "have got so addict" is grammatically incorrect because "addict" is not the correct adjective form needed here. Therefore, improvement is needed.

Based on the analysis, the option that correctly replaces the bracketed part, ensuring proper grammar and meaning, is "Have got so addicted".

The improved sentence reads: "People have got so addicted to their virtual life that they forget there is more to life than just sitting in front of a plastic box."

Revision Table: Key Grammar Points

Concept Explanation Example
Subject-Verb Agreement Plural subjects (like "People") require plural verbs (like "have").
People have;
He has
Adjective Form Describes a noun's state or quality. Participles (-ed, -ing) can function as adjectives.
He was bored (state of being bored).
The movie was boring (causes boredom).
Addict vs. Addicted vs. Addicting Addict (noun): a person who is addicted.
Addicted (adjective): in a state of dependence.
Addicting (adjective): causing addiction.

He is an addict.
He is addicted to gaming.
Gaming can be addicting.

Additional Information: Participles as Adjectives

Verbs can form participles (present participle ending in -ing and past participle ending in -ed, or irregular forms) which can then function as adjectives.

  • -ing participle (Present Participle): Often describes the thing or person that *causes* a feeling or state. Examples: *boring* movie, *exciting* game, *tiring* journey, *addicting* substance.
  • -ed participle (Past Participle): Often describes the person or thing that *experiences* the feeling or is in a resulting state. Examples: *bored* student, *excited* child, *tired* traveler, *addicted* user.

In the given sentence, the people are *experiencing* the state of being addicted, so the past participle "addicted" is the correct form to use as an adjective.

Understanding the difference between -ing and -ed adjectives formed from participles is crucial for correct sentence construction and meaning.

Was this answer helpful?

Important Questions from Phrase Replacement

  1. In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the underlined part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select “No improvement”

    My old teacher gave many poor students money in spite of he was poor.

  2. In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the underlined part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select “No improvement”.

    You should to read the newspaper regularly if you want to be well-informed.

  3. In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the underlined part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select “No improvement”.

    If he had listening to me he would not have got lost.

  4. In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the underlined part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select “No improvement”

    He asked for a bank loan also he didn't have sufficient resources.

  5. In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the underlined part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select “No improvement”.

    I went to the shop to buy some stationeries .

Need Expert Advice?

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App