Question

Look at the underlined part of the given sentence. Below the sentence are given three possible substitutions for the underlined part. If any of substitutions; (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, choose that substitution as your response. If none of the substitution improves the sentence, choose (d) as your response. Thus, a ‘No improvement’ response will be signified by the letter (d).
Newton wanted to know why did the apple fall to the ground.

• A. know that why did the apple fall
• B. know why the apple fell
• C. know that why the apple fell
• D. No improvement

Hint:

In indirect questions, use normal subject-verb order without auxiliary inversion.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

This question tests the understanding of sentence structure, particularly indirect speech and word order in English grammar. Let's analyze the given sentence and options to determine the correct substitution. 

The original sentence is: "Newton wanted to know why did the apple fall to the ground."

1. The underlined part "know why did the apple fall" is incorrect because, in reported speech or indirect questions, the subject (the apple) comes before the verb (fell) without using auxiliary verbs like 'did'. The structure should be "know why the apple fell". Thus, the correct sequence is subject + verb.
2. Let's evaluate each option:
   • Option (a): "know that why did the apple fall" - This is incorrect because it incorrectly uses both 'that' and 'did', which do not follow the structure of indirect questions.
   • Option (b): "know why the apple fell" - This is the correct option because it structures the indirect question properly, placing the verb after the subject with no auxiliary verb.
   • Option (c): "know that why the apple fell" - This is incorrect; adding 'that' before 'why' is redundant and alters the sentence's meaning.
   • Option (d): "No improvement" - Since option (b) provides a correct substitution, option (d) is not applicable.
3. The correct answer is thus: "know why the apple fell". This option correctly constructs an indirect question, maintaining proper grammatical structure.

In conclusion, the substitution from option (b) improves the sentence by adhering to the grammatical rules for forming indirect questions.