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Question

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.

He is now looking about a job.

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2017 General Knowledge Previous Year Paper (05-Feb-2017)
The correct answer is

For

Sentence Improvement: Correct Phrasal Verb Usage

This question requires identifying the best substitution for the underlined part of the sentence: "He is now looking about a job." The goal is to select the option that makes the sentence most grammatically correct and natural sounding, specifically in the context of seeking employment.

Understanding the Original Sentence

The original sentence uses the phrasal verb "looking about". While "looking about" can mean looking around a place, it's not the standard idiomatic expression used when someone is searching for a job.

Evaluating the Substitution Options

Let's examine each option:

  • (a) For: The phrasal verb "look for" specifically means to search for or seek something or someone. This is the commonly accepted and correct idiom when talking about searching for employment. The sentence becomes: "He is now looking for a job." This clearly and correctly conveys the intended meaning.
  • (b) After: The phrasal verb "look after" means to take care of or supervise someone or something (e.g., "She looks after the children"). This meaning does not apply to searching for a job.
  • (c) Into: The phrasal verb "look into" means to investigate or examine a matter (e.g., "The committee will look into the complaint"). This is also not suitable for the context of job searching.
  • (d) No improvement: Since replacing "about" with "for" creates a standard and correct idiomatic expression ("looking for a job"), improvement is indeed possible.

Selecting the Correct Phrasal Verb

Comparing the options, "look for" is the appropriate phrasal verb for the act of searching for a job. The original phrase "looking about" is less precise and not the standard idiom in this context.

Final Answer Explanation

Therefore, the best substitution for "about" in the sentence "He is now looking about a job" is "For", resulting in the corrected sentence: "He is now looking for a job."

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Important Questions from Phrase Replacement

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    The questions are so simple that a child can understand it .

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    Even children shrink away from food thinking that they should become  overweight.

  3. 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.

  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.

    He decided to leave very quickly the hotel.

  5. 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’.

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