Understanding the Sentence Improvement Question

The question asks us to improve the underlined part of the sentence: "Sal trees have been planted in relatively three-fourth of the forest area." We need to choose the best option that makes the sentence grammatically correct and natural.

The original phrase is "relatively three-fourth". Let's break down why this might be incorrect or awkward.

• "relatively": This adverb is typically used when comparing something to something else. For example, "This car is relatively fast compared to my old one." In the given sentence, there's no explicit comparison being made.
• "three-fourth": When referring to a fraction of a plural noun or an uncountable noun like "area", the fraction is usually expressed using the plural form of the denominator, i.e., "three-fourths". We say "three-fourths of the area" or "three-fourths of the students".

Considering these points, the original phrase "relatively three-fourth" seems inappropriate. We need a word that indicates approximation instead of comparison, and the fraction should likely be in the plural form.

Analyzing the Options for Sentence Improvement

Let's examine each option provided:

1. No improvement required: As discussed above, the original phrasing "relatively three-fourth" is grammatically awkward and the fraction form is likely incorrect. Therefore, improvement is required.
2. about three-fourth: This option replaces "relatively" with "about", which correctly indicates approximation. However, it retains the singular form "three-fourth" instead of "three-fourths". While "about" is a good choice, the fraction form is likely still incorrect.
3. around three-fourth: Similar to option 2, this option replaces "relatively" with "around", another suitable word for approximation. But it also keeps the singular "three-fourth". The fraction form issue remains.
4. nearly three-fourths: This option replaces "relatively" with "nearly", which is an excellent choice for indicating approximation, similar to "about" or "around". Crucially, it also corrects the fraction to "three-fourths", using the grammatically appropriate plural form for a fraction of an area.

Comparing the options, option 4 addresses both issues found in the original sentence: it replaces the inappropriate "relatively" with a suitable adverb of approximation ("nearly") and corrects the fraction form from "three-fourth" to "three-fourths".

Detailed Explanation of the Correct Option

The correct option is "nearly three-fourths".

• Why "nearly" is appropriate: The sentence is describing the extent of the planting, and "nearly" indicates that the area is close to, but not exactly, three-fourths. This is a common and natural way to express approximation. Other adverbs like "about" or "around" would also be suitable for approximation, but this option uses "nearly".
• Why "three-fourths" is appropriate: When a fraction is used to refer to a portion of a whole (like "forest area"), the noun in the fraction is usually pluralized unless the numerator is one (e.g., "one-fourth"). So, "three-fourths" is the standard grammatical form when referring to $\frac{3}{4}$ of something.

Therefore, replacing "relatively three-fourth" with "nearly three-fourths" results in a grammatically correct and natural-sounding sentence: "Sal trees have been planted in nearly three-fourths of the forest area."

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the original sentence and the options, option 4 provides the most accurate and grammatically sound improvement by using an appropriate adverb of approximation ("nearly") and the correct plural form of the fraction ("three-fourths").

Revision Table: Sentence Improvement Concepts

This question highlights the correct usage of adverbs indicating approximation and the proper form of fractions when referring to parts of a whole.

• Adverbs of Approximation: Words like 'about', 'around', 'nearly', 'approximately' are used to indicate that a number or amount is not exact but very close to the stated value.
• Fraction Grammar: When a fraction like $\frac{2}{3}$, $\frac{3}{4}$, $\frac{4}{5}$, etc., refers to a portion of a plural or uncountable noun, the denominator is typically pluralized (e.g., two-thirds of the students, three-fourths of the area). The singular form (e.g., one-third, one-fourth) is used when the numerator is one.

Additional Information: Adverbs and Fractions

Adverbs like "relatively" express a degree based on comparison, while "nearly," "about," and "around" express approximation. Understanding the specific meaning of adverbs is crucial for choosing the correct word in a sentence.

Regarding fractions, think of it like this: "three-fourth" sounds like one single unit of three-fourth size. "Three-fourths" refers to three individual units of one-fourth size, making up the total fraction of the area. When you say "three-fourths of the area," you are referring to multiple "fourths" of that area, so the plural form is appropriate.

For example:

• One-half of the students (singular denominator for numerator one)
• Two-thirds of the cake (plural denominator)
• Three-fourths of the population (plural denominator)

Using "nearly three-fourths" correctly combines an adverb indicating close proximity to the fraction with the grammatically correct plural form of the fraction, making it the best choice for improving the sentence about Sal trees being planted in the forest area.