Question:medium

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).
He was extremely unhappy because of the inordinately delay.

Show Hint

Use an adjective to modify a noun, not an adverb. Check whether the word being modified is a noun or verb.
Updated On: May 24, 2026
  • the inordinate delaying
  • the inordinate delay
  • the inordinately delaying
  • No improvement
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The question requires a substitution for the underlined part of the sentence: "He was extremely unhappy because of the inordinately delay."

The options for substitution are:

  • (a) the inordinate delaying
  • (b) the inordinate delay
  • (c) the inordinately delaying
  • (d) No improvement

To determine the correct substitution, we need to analyze each option:

  1. "the inordinately delay"
    • The word "inordinately" is an adverb and should describe verbs or adjectives, not nouns. Hence, usage of "inordinately" with "delay" (a noun) is grammatically incorrect.
  2. (a) "the inordinate delaying"
    • The word "delaying" adds a verb-like quality; however, it doesn't fit well within the context of the sentence where a noun is required.
  3. (b) "the inordinate delay"
    • "Inordinate" is an adjective that correctly describes the noun "delay". This creates a grammatically correct phrase that fits the sentence context.
  4. (c) "the inordinately delaying"
    • This uses "inordinately," an adverb, with "delaying," which is less preferable since it doesn't convey the intended meaning in a standard phrasing manner.

Conclusion: Option (b) "the inordinate delay" is grammatically correct and fits the context of the original sentence, correctly replacing the underlined portion.

Therefore, the correct answer is: "the inordinate delay"

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