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. His temperament (disposed him to) argue readily with people.
No correction required
Understanding the Sentence Correction Question
The question asks us to identify the correct word segment to replace the bracketed phrase "(disposed him to)" in the sentence: "His temperament (disposed him to) argue readily with people." We need to determine if the original phrase is correct or if one of the given options provides a meaningful and grammatically sound replacement.
Analyzing the Original Phrase: "disposed him to"
The verb "dispose" can mean to make someone inclined or willing to do something. When used in this sense, the common structure is "dispose someone to do something" or "be disposed to do something". The sentence uses the past tense form "disposed" in the structure "disposed him to argue". This structure correctly conveys that his temperament made him inclined or predisposed him to argue easily with others.
Let's look at the usage:
- Dispose (verb): To make someone willing or inclined to do something.
- Structure: Dispose + object + to + infinitive (e.g., disposed him to argue).
This usage of "disposed him to" is a standard idiom in English.
Evaluating the Options
Let's examine each provided option and compare it to the original phrase.
| Option | Analysis | Correctness |
|---|---|---|
| 1. disposed him of to | The phrasal verb "dispose of" means to get rid of something. This meaning does not fit the context of the sentence, which is about someone's inclination or tendency. | Incorrect |
| 2. dispose him to | While "dispose someone to" is a valid structure, the verb "disposed" is in the past tense in the original sentence, implying a past action or a characteristic described in the past. Replacing "disposed" with the base form "dispose" changes the tense inappropriately unless the sentence structure were different (e.g., using a modal or describing a general truth in the present tense with a plural subject or "disposes"). Given the original sentence structure, "disposed" is the appropriate tense. | Incorrect in this context |
| 3. disposed him off to | "Dispose off" is not a standard phrasal verb in English with the meaning of getting rid of something; the correct form is "dispose of". Furthermore, neither form ("dispose of" or "dispose off") fits the context of inclination. | Incorrect |
| 4. No correction required | As discussed, "disposed him to argue" is a correct and idiomatic way to express that his temperament made him inclined or predisposed to argue. The structure and meaning fit the sentence perfectly. | Correct |
Conclusion
Based on the analysis of the verb "dispose" and its common usage to indicate inclination or predisposition, the original phrase "disposed him to argue" is grammatically correct and meaningful in the given sentence. None of the other options provide a correct or appropriate substitute.
Revision Table: Sentence Structure & Verb Usage
| Concept | Key Point | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dispose (meaning incline) | Used with object + 'to' + infinitive | Her kindness disposed me to trust her. |
| Dispose of (meaning get rid of) | Phrasal verb, requires 'of' | We need to dispose of this old furniture. |
| Correct Idiom | Disposed to do something | He was disposed to agree with them. |
Additional Information: Understanding Verb Phrasing
Understanding how verbs combine with prepositions or other words to form specific meanings (phrasal verbs or idioms) is crucial for sentence correction exercises. The verb "dispose" is a good example, having different meanings depending on its usage:
- Dispose (transitive, meaning arrange/order): Used less commonly in modern English, e.g., "The troops were disposed for battle."
- Dispose (transitive, meaning incline/predispose): Used with an object followed by 'to' and an infinitive, e.g., "The news disposed them to wait."
- Dispose of (intransitive, meaning get rid of): A phrasal verb, e.g., "It's difficult to dispose of hazardous waste."
- Dispose of (intransitive, meaning deal with): Another use of the phrasal verb, e.g., "The committee will dispose of the matter next week."
In the given sentence, the context clearly indicates the meaning of inclination or predisposition, making the structure "disposed him to argue" the correct choice.
Important Questions from Phrase Replacement
In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the underlined part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select “No improvement”
My old teacher gave many poor students money in spite of he was poor.
In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the underlined part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select “No improvement”.
You should to read the newspaper regularly if you want to be well-informed.
In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the underlined part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select “No improvement”.
If he had listening to me he would not have got lost.
In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the underlined part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select “No improvement”
He asked for a bank loan also he didn't have sufficient resources.
In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the underlined part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select “No improvement”.
I went to the shop to buy some stationeries .
