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". We could not afford (to paying) the entire sum.
to pay
Improving Sentences: Understanding the Verb 'Afford' Grammar
The question asks us to find the best way to improve the bracketed part "(to paying)" in the sentence: "We could not afford (to paying) the entire sum." This is a common grammar question focusing on the correct verb form that follows the verb 'afford'.
The verb 'afford' is typically followed by the infinitive form of another verb (to + base verb). This structure indicates the ability to do something, often in terms of having enough money or time.
Analyzing the Original Sentence and Incorrect Part
The original sentence uses the phrase "to paying". The structure 'to' + gerund (-ing form) is used in specific cases (e.g., looking forward to doing, accustomed to doing, object to doing), but it is not the correct structure to follow the verb 'afford'.
Examining the Options
Let's look at the provided options and see which one correctly replaces the bracketed part:
- Option 1: paid
Replacing "(to paying)" with "paid" would result in "We could not afford paid the entire sum." This sentence is grammatically incorrect. "Paid" is a past tense or past participle form and does not fit after 'afford' in this context. - Option 2: pays
Replacing "(to paying)" with "pays" would result in "We could not afford pays the entire sum." This is also grammatically incorrect. "Pays" is the third person singular present tense form and does not follow 'afford' in this way. - Option 3: to pay
Replacing "(to paying)" with "to pay" would result in "We could not afford to pay the entire sum." This uses the infinitive form "to pay". This structure, "afford to + infinitive," is the standard and correct grammatical construction following the verb 'afford'. It correctly conveys the inability to bear the cost of paying the entire sum. - Option 4: no improvement
Since the original phrase "to paying" is grammatically incorrect when used after 'afford', improvement is needed. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
Correcting the Sentence
Based on the analysis, the correct way to complete the sentence is by using the infinitive form "to pay" after the verb "afford". The corrected sentence is: "We could not afford to pay the entire sum."
Summary of the Improvement
The incorrect gerund phrase "(to paying)" is replaced with the correct infinitive phrase "to pay" to follow the verb "afford" according to standard English grammar rules.
| Verb | Correct Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Afford | to + base verb (infinitive) | We can afford to buy a car. |
Revision Table: Key Grammar Concepts
| Concept | Explanation | Relevance to Question |
|---|---|---|
| Infinitive | The base form of a verb preceded by 'to' (e.g., to pay, to run). Used after certain verbs like 'afford'. | The correct form needed after 'afford' is the infinitive 'to pay'. |
| Gerund | The -ing form of a verb used as a noun (e.g., paying is difficult). Used after prepositions and certain verbs. | 'Paying' is a gerund or present participle. While it can follow 'to' in specific phrases (e.g., look forward to paying), it's incorrect after 'afford'. |
| Verb Complementation | How verbs are followed by other verbs or phrases (infinitives, gerunds, clauses). | 'Afford' requires specific complementation: 'to + infinitive'. |
Additional Information: Verbs Followed by Infinitives or Gerunds
Understanding which verbs are followed by infinitives (to + base verb) and which are followed by gerunds (-ing form) is crucial for sentence improvement questions. Here are some examples:
- Verbs usually followed by Infinitives: afford, agree, decide, expect, hope, manage, plan, promise, refuse, want, wish.
- Example: They decided to leave early.
- Verbs usually followed by Gerunds: admit, avoid, consider, enjoy, finish, mind, postpone, recommend, suggest.
- Example: She enjoys swimming.
- Verbs followed by either (sometimes with a change in meaning): stop, remember, forget, try.
- Example: He stopped to rest (purpose). He stopped smoking (ceased the activity).
The verb 'afford' strictly belongs to the first category; it is always followed by the infinitive form.
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.
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