In the sentence "She sank back with a mourn of pain", which word should replace "mourn" so that the sentence correctly expresses a low cry of pain?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: moan

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This spelling and usage question checks whether you can choose the correct noun to describe a sound of pain. The sentence She sank back with a mourn of pain contains a word that looks similar to several English words but is incorrectly used here. You must select the correct spelling and word that matches the context of a low, drawn out sound made due to suffering or discomfort.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Sentence: She sank back with a mourn of pain.
  • Context suggests she made a sound because she was in pain.
  • Option A: morn.
  • Option B: mourne.
  • Option C: moan.
  • Option D: No improvement.


Concept / Approach:
The correct noun for a long, low sound expressing pain or sadness is moan. The verb is to moan, and the noun is a moan. The word mourn refers to the feeling and expression of deep sorrow, especially after someone has died, but it is not used in the countable noun form a mourn. Morn is a poetic word for morning. Mourne is not a standard English word in this sense. Therefore, moan fits both the grammar and the context.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the meaning needed: a sound of pain made as she sank back.Step 2: Recall that the noun for that sound is moan, as in a moan of pain or a moan of despair.Step 3: Check the grammatical structure: article a plus noun, which matches a moan.Step 4: Examine mourn; it is mainly used as a verb meaning to feel or show sorrow and is not normally used as a countable noun after a.Step 5: Examine morn and mourne; morn is an old fashioned word for morning, and mourne is not standard, so neither fits the context. Thus moan is the appropriate correction.


Verification / Alternative check:
Try common collocations. We say phrases like She let out a moan of pain, He gave a low moan as the doctor examined his injury, or The room was filled with moans and cries. The pattern a moan of pain is very common. In contrast, a mourn of pain does not appear in natural English, and native speakers would find it strange. This usage test confirms that moan is the only acceptable choice among the options.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Morn refers to morning in poetic contexts, as in On some bright morn. It has nothing to do with pain sounds. Mourne is not recognised as a separate word in standard English and seems to be a misspelling. Mourn is a verb that deals with grief, such as to mourn a loss, and its noun form mourning involves wearing black or observing rituals, not making a sound. No improvement is wrong because the original sentence clearly uses an incorrect form and spelling.



Common Pitfalls:
Words that sound similar but have different spellings and grammatical roles often cause confusion, especially for non native learners. Moan, mourn, and morn all sound alike in many accents but are not interchangeable. A useful tip is to connect moan with sound, mourn with sorrow, and morn with morning. Visualising example sentences for each will help fix their meanings and correct spellings in your memory.



Final Answer:
The correct word to describe a low cry of pain is moan, so the sentence should read She sank back with a moan of pain, and option C is correct.

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