Choose the most appropriate verb to complete the sentence correctly:\n\n"It took several men to ________ the fallen tree out of our yard."

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary and usage question asks you to choose the verb that best completes the sentence in a natural and meaningful way. The sentence describes an action involving several men and a fallen tree that must be moved out of a yard. You need to select a verb that fits both the physical context and the grammar of the sentence. Such questions test your knowledge of word meanings and collocations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence: It took several men to ________ the fallen tree out of our yard.
• The action involves moving a heavy object, namely a fallen tree.
• Options are: erect, establish, haul, rivet.
• We assume the aim is to remove the tree from the yard, not to build or fix something.

Concept / Approach:
The key verb in such a physical scenario is one that means pull or drag something heavy, often with difficulty. The word haul means pull or drag something with effort, especially a heavy object, which fits perfectly here. Erect means set something upright, such as erect a building or statue. Establish means set up an organisation or prove something. Rivet means fasten or hold something firmly in place. Only haul naturally describes moving a fallen tree out of a yard.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Visualise the scene: several men working together to move a heavy fallen tree. Step 2: Match this mental picture with the meaning of each option. Step 3: Note that haul describes the effortful pulling or dragging of a heavy object. Step 4: Insert haul into the sentence and confirm that it sounds natural: It took several men to haul the fallen tree out of our yard.

Verification / Alternative check:
Test each of the other options in the sentence. It took several men to erect the fallen tree out of our yard sounds wrong because erect usually takes an object that is to be raised, not removed. It took several men to establish the fallen tree out of our yard is clearly incorrect. It took several men to rivet the fallen tree out of our yard also does not make sense because rivet means to fix or fasten. Only haul produces a clear and realistic sentence.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, erect, does not match the idea of moving a fallen tree out of a yard and would instead suggest making something stand upright. Option B, establish, is used for organisations, facts, or systems, not for physically moving objects. Option D, rivet, refers to fastening or holding something firmly, which is the opposite of removing a tree. Therefore, they all fail in this context.

Common Pitfalls:
A learner who does not know the exact meanings of all options might guess randomly, or be misled by familiarity with words like erect or establish. It is important to build a broad vocabulary and to pay attention to how words are used in real sentences. Associating words with mental images and example sentences helps in remembering appropriate contexts.

Final Answer:
The verb that best completes the sentence is haul, so the correct option is haul.