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.
hard to get work.
Analyzing the Sentence and the Underlined Segment
The given sentence is: "Not knowing the language and having no acquaintances in the city, he found it hard getting work."
The underlined segment is "hard getting work". We need to determine if this phrase is grammatically correct in the context and, if not, select the most appropriate substitution from the given options.
Understanding the Structure 'find it + adjective'
The sentence uses the structure "find it + adjective". This structure is commonly followed by either an infinitive phrase (to + base verb) or a gerund phrase (verb-ing).
Examples:
- I find it difficult to wake up early. (Infinitive)
- She found it easy learning French. (Gerund - less common with 'find it easy')
- He finds it exciting to travel. (Infinitive)
While both infinitive and gerund can sometimes follow 'find it + adjective', the infinitive form ('to + base verb') is generally more common and considered standard, especially with adjectives like 'hard', 'difficult', 'easy', 'important', 'interesting', etc., when referring to the action itself as the object being found in a certain state (hard, easy, etc.). The gerund is sometimes used, particularly in informal contexts or when the emphasis is on the *process* rather than the action.
In the context of "find it hard", the standard grammatical construction is "find it hard to + base verb". The phrase "find it hard getting" is generally considered less standard or incorrect in formal English.
Evaluating the Substitution Options
Let's examine each option:
-
hard in getting work.
This option uses "in getting". The phrase "find it hard in getting" is not a standard grammatical structure in English.
-
No substitution required
This would mean the original phrase "hard getting work" is correct. As discussed, "find it hard to + base verb" is the standard form, making the original phrase less preferable or incorrect.
-
hard to get work.
This option uses the infinitive form "to get" after "hard". This fits the standard grammatical structure "find it hard to + base verb". The sentence would become: "Not knowing the language and having no acquaintances in the city, he found it hard to get work." This is grammatically correct and natural-sounding.
-
hard to getting to work.
This option uses "to getting", which incorrectly combines the infinitive marker "to" with the gerund "getting". This is not a valid grammatical structure. Additionally, it adds "to work" at the end, changing the meaning from 'getting a job' to 'commuting to work', which is not implied by the original sentence context.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis of standard English grammar regarding the structure "find it + adjective", the most appropriate substitution for "hard getting work" is "hard to get work". This uses the correct infinitive form that typically follows "find it hard".
Revision Table: Comparing Structures
| Structure | Example | Grammaticality with 'find it hard' |
|---|---|---|
| find it hard + gerund (getting) | He found it hard getting work. | Less standard/Often considered incorrect in formal English. |
| find it hard + infinitive (to get) | He found it hard to get work. | Standard and grammatically correct. |
| find it hard + in + gerund (in getting) | He found it hard in getting work. | Incorrect. |
| find it hard + to + gerund (to getting) | He found it hard to getting work. | Incorrect. |
Additional Information on Verb Forms
Understanding when to use infinitives and gerunds is a key aspect of English grammar. Often, the choice depends on the preceding verb or adjective.
- Infinitives (to + base verb): Often follow adjectives (like hard, easy, difficult, important) when referring to the nature of the action itself. They are also used after many verbs (e.g., want to go, decide to stay, hope to succeed).
- Gerunds (verb-ing): Can function as nouns (e.g., Swimming is fun). They follow certain verbs (e.g., enjoy swimming, avoid eating, finish reading) and prepositions (e.g., interested in learning, good at drawing).
In the case of the structure "find it + adjective", while some flexibility exists with certain adjectives, "find it hard" strongly prefers the infinitive structure.
Important Questions from Phrase Replacement
- Select the option that will improve the underlined part of the given sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select 'No improvement required'.
The doors and windows will have painted by afternoon. 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’.
The authorities are assured the people that they will look into the matter.
Select the word segment that substitutes (replaces) the bracketed word segment correctly and completes the sentence meaningfully. Select the option 'no correction required' if the sentence is correct as given.
Some (animal activist are horrified at the suffering of) innocent animals.
Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.
Gayatri informed one of the directors that she has sent the material for printing.
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.
We had been almost halfway there when the left rear tyre blew out
