Look at the underlined part of each sentence. Below each sentence are given three possible substitutions for the underlined part. If one of them (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, indicate your response against the corresponding letter. If none of the substitutions improves the sentence, indicate (d) as your response. The Prime Minister had wide-ranging discussions on the international situation.
No improvement
Understanding Sentence Improvement: "Wide-ranging Discussions"
The question asks us to examine the underlined part of the sentence, "The Prime Minister had wide-ranging discussions on the international situation," and determine if any of the provided options offer a better substitution or if the original phrase is correct as it is.
Let's break down the underlined phrase and the context.
- The sentence describes discussions the Prime Minister had.
- The phrase "wide-ranging" is an adjective modifying "discussions."
- It describes the scope or extent of the discussions.
The term "wide-ranging" is a common compound adjective used to describe something that covers a broad scope, variety of subjects, or extent. In the context of "discussions on the international situation," it means the discussions covered many different topics related to international affairs.
Analyzing the Options for Substitution
Let's look at the alternative options provided:
- Widely-ranged: This option uses "widely," which is an adverb, and "ranged," which is a past participle. While "widely" can describe how something is ranged, "widely-ranged" is not the standard compound adjective used to describe discussions covering a broad scope. The structure feels awkward in this context.
- Wide-ranged: This option uses "wide," an adjective, and "ranged," a past participle. "Wide-ranged" can be used in some contexts, but "wide-ranging" is specifically used to describe things (like discussions, topics, interests) that cover a broad range or variety. "Wide-ranged" might imply something that has been spread out widely, which isn't the intended meaning here.
- Wide-range: This option uses "wide" and "range" as nouns. "Wide-range" can function as a compound adjective (e.g., a wide-range forecast), but when describing the scope or extent of activities like discussions, interests, or studies, "wide-ranging" is the standard and more appropriate term. "Wide-range discussions" doesn't sound natural to a native speaker.
- No improvement: This option suggests that the original phrase "wide-ranging" is correct and no substitution is needed.
Evaluating "Wide-ranging"
The phrase "wide-ranging" is a well-established and correctly used compound adjective for describing discussions, topics, or interests that cover a large area or variety. Examples include "wide-ranging talks," "wide-ranging reforms," or "wide-ranging research."
In the given sentence, "The Prime Minister had wide-ranging discussions on the international situation," the term "wide-ranging" accurately and appropriately conveys that the discussions covered a broad scope of international topics. None of the alternative options ("Widely-ranged," "Wide-ranged," "Wide-range") are standard or better usages in this specific context.
Conclusion on Sentence Improvement
Based on the analysis of the options and the correct usage of compound adjectives in English, the original phrase "wide-ranging discussions" is grammatically correct and stylistically appropriate. The alternative options do not improve the sentence; in fact, they make it sound awkward or incorrect.
Therefore, no improvement is needed for the underlined part of the sentence.
Revision Table: Comparing Options
| Phrase | Type | Common Usage/Meaning | Suitability in Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| wide-ranging | Compound Adjective | Covering a broad scope, range, or variety (e.g., discussions, interests, topics) | Highly suitable and standard usage. |
| Widely-ranged | Adverb + Past Participle | Less common as a direct adjective for scope; might imply how something is spread out. | Unsuitable for describing discussion scope. |
| Wide-ranged | Adjective + Past Participle | Exists, but "wide-ranging" is preferred for describing scope/variety of activities like discussions. | Less suitable than "wide-ranging". |
| Wide-range | Compound Adjective (Noun+Noun or Adj+Noun) | Used in some contexts (e.g., wide-range camera), but not standard for discussion scope. | Unsuitable for describing discussion scope. |
Additional Information: Compound Adjectives
Compound adjectives are formed by combining two or more words to function as a single adjective. They often describe a single characteristic of a noun. When used before a noun, they are typically hyphenated.
Examples:
- well-known author
- short-term goal
- state-of-the-art technology
- fast-paced environment
- wide-ranging talks
The choice between different forms (like 'wide-range' vs. 'wide-ranging') often depends on convention and what sounds natural in English. 'Wide-ranging' is conventionally used to describe the extensive scope or variety of subjects covered by discussions, studies, interests, etc.
Understanding compound adjectives and their specific uses helps in choosing the correct phrase for sentence improvement exercises.
Similar Questions
Look at the underlined part of each sentence. Below each sentence are given three possible substitutions for the underlined part. If one of them (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, indicate your response against the corresponding letter. If none of the substitutions improves the sentence, indicate (d) as your response.
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It is hard these days to cope with the rising prices.
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He took a loan of hundred rupees from me.
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From the last five days, it has been raining torrentially.
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The teacher, along with her three children, were taken to hospital.
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By 8.00 in the morning he wrote four letters to his friends.
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The chairman with the other members of the board are touring Europe these days.
Direction: Look at the underlined part of each sentence. Below each sentence are given three possible substitutions for the bold/underlined part. If one of them (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, indicate your response against the corresponding letter. If none of the substitutions improves the sentence, indicate (d) as your response.
I shall be obliged if youcould grantme an interview.
Look at the underlined part of each sentence. Below each sentence are given three possible substitutions for the underlined part. If one of them (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, indicate your response against the corresponding letter. If none of the substitutions improves the sentence, indicate (d) as your response.
Your services are dispensed for.
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.
