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Question

In the question below, a part of the sentence has been underlined. Below are given the alternatives to the underlined part which may improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. If the sentence needs no improvement, choose ‘No Improvement’ as your answer.

But in all these cases conversion from one scale to another is easy because scales have well-formulated .

This question was previously asked in
NDA II 2015 GAT Previous Year Paper (16-Dec-2015)
The correct answer is

are well-formulated

Analyzing Sentence Improvement for Grammar

The original sentence is: "But in all these cases conversion from one scale to another is easy because scales have well-formulated ." The underlined part is "have well-formulated". We need to find the alternative that best improves the sentence grammatically and logically.

Let's look at the structure of the sentence. It states that conversion is easy because of something about the scales. The phrase "scales have well-formulated" is grammatically incomplete and awkward. The verb "have" usually indicates possession. "Well-formulated" is an adjective or past participle used as an adjective. Scales cannot "have" "well-formulated" in this way. It seems the sentence intends to describe the state or characteristic of the scales themselves.

Evaluating the Alternatives for Sentence Correction

Let's examine each option provided:

  • Option 1: <p>can be well-formulated</p>
  • Analysis: This option suggests that the scales *have the ability to be* well-formulated. While grammatically correct on its own, using "can be" introduces the idea of possibility or potential, which might not be the intended meaning. The original sentence implies a reason for the ease of conversion, suggesting a present state or characteristic of the scales, not a potential.
  • Option 2: <p>are well-formulated</p>
  • Analysis: This option uses the verb "are" followed by the past participle "well-formulated". This is the passive voice and describes a state or characteristic of the scales. It means the scales *are in a condition of being* well-formulated, i.e., clearly defined or structured. This fits the context of why conversion might be easy – because the scales themselves are clearly structured. This is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the properties of the scales.
  • Option 3: <p>well-formulated</p>
  • Analysis: This option provides just the adjective/participle "well-formulated". The sentence would become "because scales well-formulated". This is grammatically incorrect as it lacks a main verb after "scales" to connect it to the descriptive term "well-formulated".
  • Option 4: <p>No improvement</p>
  • Analysis: The original phrase "have well-formulated" is grammatically unsound in this context. Therefore, improvement is needed.

Identifying the Correct Sentence Structure

Comparing the options, "are well-formulated" is the most appropriate grammatical structure to describe the characteristic of the scales that makes conversion easy. It uses the passive voice correctly to indicate that the scales are in a state of being clearly defined or structured.

The corrected sentence would be: "But in all these cases conversion from one scale to another is easy because scales are well-formulated."

Conclusion on Sentence Improvement

Based on the grammatical analysis and the intended meaning within the context of easy conversion between scales, the phrase "are well-formulated" provides the most suitable and grammatically correct description of the scales' condition.

Original Phrase Proposed Alternative Grammatical Role/Meaning Correctness
have well-formulated are well-formulated Describes the state of the scales (Passive Voice) Correct
have well-formulated can be well-formulated Describes possibility of being formulated (Modal Verb) Changes Meaning/Less likely intent
have well-formulated well-formulated Adjective/Participle (Lacks verb) Incorrect
have well-formulated No improvement N/A Incorrect (Original is flawed)

Revision Table: Sentence Improvement and Grammar

Reviewing key concepts for sentence improvement:

  • Subject-verb agreement: Ensuring the verb matches the subject in number (scales is plural, so need a plural verb like 'are' or 'have').
  • Correct verb form: Using the appropriate tense and form of the verb. Here, a description of the scales' current state is needed.
  • Passive Voice: The structure "subject + form of 'be' + past participle" is used to describe the state of the subject or when the action is done to the subject. "Scales are well-formulated" indicates that the scales have been (or are) formulated well.
  • Adjective vs. Verb: Understanding when a word functions as a descriptive adjective and when a verb is needed to complete the sentence structure. "Well-formulated" alone cannot act as the main verb for "scales".

Additional Information: Grammar and Sentence Structure

Understanding the basic structure of English sentences is crucial for sentence improvement questions. A simple sentence usually contains a subject and a predicate (which includes the verb). Modifiers like adjectives add detail.

In the phrase "scales are well-formulated":

  • "scales" is the subject.
  • "are well-formulated" is the predicate.
  • "are" is the linking verb (a form of 'be').
  • "well-formulated" is a predicative adjective (or participle functioning as one) describing the subject "scales".

This passive construction is grammatically sound and conveys the meaning that the scales possess the characteristic of being well-formulated, which aligns with the context of ease of conversion.

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Similar Questions

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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.

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

  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.

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

  4. 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’.

    In the past, promises have been made, kept, and broken, and they are being make yet again.

  5. 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’.

    September is one of the busiest months of the year, with a range of different tasks at hand

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