In the following question, a sentence is given with a bracketed part that may contain an error. Choose the alternative that will best replace the bracketed part. In case no improvement is needed, select the option no improvement. Read in order (become) wise.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: to become

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This sentence improvement question tests the correct use of the infinitive of purpose in English. The sentence Read in order become wise is intended to express the idea that one should read with the purpose of becoming wise. The phrase in order is commonly followed by an infinitive (to plus base verb) to express purpose. The candidate must therefore choose the grammatically correct and meaningful form to complete the sentence.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Original structure: Read in order (become) wise.
  • Options: to have to be, to have become, to become, no improvement.
  • The sentence is a general instruction or proverb like Read in order to become wise.
  • We assume standard grammar rules for infinitives after in order.


Concept / Approach:
In English, the phrase in order to is the standard way to express purpose, followed by the base form of the verb. Examples include Study hard in order to succeed and Exercise regularly in order to stay healthy. Therefore, in order must be followed by to become in this sentence. The other options introduce unnecessary complexity or wrong tense, such as to have become, which suggests a completed action before another point in time, and to have to be, which does not fit the simple proverb like structure. The correct approach is to recognise the fixed collocation in order to plus base verb.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify in order as a marker of purpose that normally connects to an infinitive.Step 2: Recall the pattern: in order to plus base verb, such as in order to learn, in order to improve.Step 3: Decide the base verb needed here: become, because the desired meaning is become wise.Step 4: Combine in order with to become to form the phrase in order to become, giving the full sentence Read in order to become wise.Step 5: Compare with the options. To become is the only choice that creates this correct and natural structure.


Verification / Alternative check:
Let us test each option in the sentence. Read in order to have to be wise sounds unnatural and confusing, mixing obligation with purpose in a clumsy way. Read in order to have become wise suggests that the becoming wise must already be completed before reading, which does not fit the intended general advice. Read in order become wise lacks the essential to and is therefore grammatically incomplete. Read in order to become wise is concise, clear, and matches traditional proverb like expressions in English. This confirms that to become is the correct replacement.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
To have to be: This structure expresses obligation (have to) combined with be and does not fit with in order in this context. It also makes the sentence overly complicated. To have become: This perfect infinitive usually refers to an action completed before another reference point in time and does not work well in a general proverb. No improvement: Leaving become without to after in order gives a grammatically incorrect phrase because the standard pattern requires the full infinitive in order to become.


Common Pitfalls:
Some learners forget that in order almost always takes to plus verb, and they may write in order buy or in order go, which is incorrect. Others may be attracted to longer forms like to have become because they sound more formal, even though the meaning and tense become inappropriate for a simple general statement. A reliable method is to treat in order to as one fixed unit meaning so that, and always follow it directly with the base form of the main verb, such as become in this example.


Final Answer:
The correct replacement is to become, so the sentence should read, Read in order to become wise.

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