The following sentence has a blank space and four words or group of words after the sentence. Select the word or group of words you consider the most appropriate for the blank. Complementary medicine _________ fewer risks, since it is used along with standard remedies, often to lessen side-effects and enhance feelings of well-being.
carries
Understanding the Sentence and Vocabulary
The question asks us to choose the most appropriate word to fill the blank in a sentence about complementary medicine. The sentence describes complementary medicine as being used alongside standard treatments, often to reduce side-effects and improve well-being. It then states that this type of medicine __________ fewer risks.
We need a verb that logically connects "Complementary medicine" to "fewer risks". The phrase "fewer risks" suggests that the medicine is associated with, possesses, or involves a lower likelihood of harm or danger.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the meaning of each option in the context of the sentence:
- reacts: This word means to act in response to something. Complementary medicine doesn't "react" risks; it might cause reactions, but the structure requires a verb describing its relationship to risks it possesses or involves.
- releases: This word means to allow something to move, act, or flow freely. Complementary medicine doesn't "release" risks; if anything, treatments might release compounds, but the concept of releasing risks doesn't fit.
- ejects: This word means to force or throw something out. Complementary medicine doesn't "eject" risks.
- carries: This word can mean to have, possess, or involve something as a consequence or accompaniment. For example, a decision might "carry" consequences, or a task might "carry" risks. This fits the context perfectly, implying that complementary medicine involves or is associated with fewer risks.
Selecting the Best Fit Word
Based on the analysis, the word that best fits the blank to convey that complementary medicine is associated with or involves a lower level of risk is "carries". The phrase "carries fewer risks" is a common way to express that something is less likely to cause harm or danger compared to something else.
The Completed Sentence
Substituting "carries" into the blank, the sentence reads:
Complementary medicine carries fewer risks, since it is used along with standard remedies, often to lessen side-effects and enhance feelings of well-being.
This sentence makes logical sense and aligns with the description of complementary medicine provided in the latter part of the sentence.
Revision Table: Understanding Word Choice
| Word | Common Meaning | Fit in Sentence? | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| reacts | Acts in response | No | Doesn't describe possession or involvement of risks. |
| releases | Allows to flow/move freely | No | Doesn't describe possession or involvement of risks. |
| ejects | Forces out | No | Doesn't describe possession or involvement of risks. |
| carries | Possesses, involves, is associated with | Yes | Correctly describes the relationship between complementary medicine and risks. |
Additional Information on Complementary Medicine and Risks
Complementary medicine refers to treatments that are used alongside conventional medicine, as mentioned in the sentence. Examples include acupuncture, massage therapy, or herbal supplements used to help manage symptoms or side effects of a standard medical treatment. The idea that complementary medicine "carries fewer risks" is relative and depends heavily on the specific type of complementary therapy, its quality, and how it is used. While some complementary approaches might indeed have fewer side effects than certain conventional treatments, they are not risk-free. It's important to discuss the use of any complementary medicine with a healthcare provider to ensure it is safe and appropriate for one's individual health situation and does not interact negatively with standard treatments.
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