Understanding Verb Choices for Deadlines

The question asks us to choose the most appropriate verb to complete the sentence: "We're asking them to ______ the deadline." This sentence is about changing the time limit set for something.

Let's look at the options provided and consider their meanings:

• increase: This verb is typically used for making something larger in number, amount, or size. For example, 'increase the price' or 'increase the volume'. While a deadline represents a point in time, we don't usually "increase" it.
• enlarge: This verb means to make something physically bigger in size. It is used for tangible objects or pictures. For example, 'enlarge a photograph' or 'enlarge a building'. It is not applicable to abstract concepts like deadlines.
• broaden: This verb means to make something wider in scope, range, or understanding. For example, 'broaden one's horizons' or 'broaden the discussion'. It does not relate to changing a time limit.
• extend: This verb means to make something longer or to prolong it. When referring to time limits, 'extend' is the standard and most appropriate verb to use. For example, 'extend the deadline' or 'extend the subscription'.

Considering the meanings, only the verb 'extend' correctly describes the action of making a deadline later than originally planned. Therefore, it is the most appropriate word to fill in the blank.

The completed sentence is: "We're asking them to extend the deadline."

Analysis of Options

Common Phrasal Verbs and Collocations with Deadlines

Here are some common verbs and phrases used with the word 'deadline':

• Meet a deadline: To complete something by the deadline.
• Miss a deadline: To fail to complete something by the deadline.
• Set a deadline: To establish a time limit.
• Extend a deadline: To make the deadline later.
• Push back a deadline: To move the deadline to a later date (similar to extend).
• Bring forward a deadline: To make the deadline earlier.
• Work to a deadline: To work with a deadline as a target.

Understanding these collocations helps in choosing the right verb in different contexts involving deadlines.

Revision Table: Key Verbs with Deadlines

Additional Information on Verb Usage

Choosing the correct verb depends heavily on the noun it is used with. Verbs often have specific collocations (words that frequently appear together) or contexts where they are most appropriate. For example:

• We 'raise' money, not usually 'increase' money in this context (unless referring to a specific amount).
• We 'expand' a business, not usually 'enlarge' it in this context (though 'enlarge' could apply to its physical premises).
• We 'widen' a road or 'broaden' a smile.

Paying attention to these common patterns helps improve vocabulary and grammar accuracy. In this case, 'extend' is the standard and correct verb used with 'deadline' when you want to make it later.