Improve the bracketed phrasal verb in the sentence: "If you are living in the crowded part of the city then you should be ready to (bear) the noise", by choosing the most natural and idiomatic option.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: bear with

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on phrasal verbs, which are verb plus particle combinations that often carry idiomatic meanings. The sentence describes a person living in a crowded part of the city who must be prepared to accept the associated noise. You must choose the phrasal verb that correctly conveys the idea of tolerating or enduring the noise.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The sentence is: "If you are living in the crowded part of the city then you should be ready to (bear) the noise."
  • Options are: bear off, bear away, bear with, bear out, no improvement.
  • The context clearly points to the meaning "tolerate" or "put up with" the noise.
  • The main verb is "bear", which can take different particles to form distinct phrasal verbs.


Concept / Approach:
In everyday English, "bear with" is a phrasal verb that means to be patient with or to tolerate something or someone. The simple verb "bear" can also mean "endure", but in this kind of conversational advice the idiomatic expression "bear with the noise" sounds more natural. The other combinations "bear off", "bear away", and "bear out" have completely different meanings and do not fit the context.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the sense required is "tolerate" or "put up with" the noise of a crowded part of the city. Step 2: Recall that "bear with" is a known phrasal verb meaning to be patient with or endure something unpleasant or difficult. Step 3: Try the phrase in the sentence: "you should be ready to bear with the noise". This sounds natural and idiomatic. Step 4: Consider "bear off". It usually means to carry something away or to steer away, as in some sports or nautical contexts, and does not mean tolerate. Step 5: Consider "bear away". This again suggests carrying something away or being very impressed, not putting up with noise. Step 6: "Bear out" means to confirm or support a statement, as in "the evidence bears out his claim", which does not fit here. Step 7: The simple "bear" without a particle is possible but less idiomatic; the question specifically tests phrasal verbs, so "no improvement" is not the best choice. Step 8: Therefore, "bear with" is the correct phrasal verb for this context.


Verification / Alternative check:
You can check by thinking of common expressions: "Please bear with me for a moment" is a standard phrase meaning "please be patient with me". Similarly, "bear with the traffic" or "bear with the noise" are understandable and idiomatic. None of the other combinations would be used in these contexts, which confirms "bear with" as the right answer.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • bear off: Used in specialised contexts meaning to carry away or move away, not to tolerate something.
  • bear away: Suggests removal or being deeply moved, not patient endurance.
  • bear out: Means to support or confirm a statement, as in evidence bearing out a theory.
  • no improvement: The simple verb "bear the noise" is understandable but less idiomatic; the question clearly aims at the correct phrasal verb "bear with".


Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes ignore particles and use only the main verb "bear", missing the nuance that phrasal verbs add. Another pitfall is guessing randomly among similar sounding combinations like "bear off" and "bear away". To avoid this, build a mental list of common phrasal verbs along with example sentences so you can recall correct forms under exam pressure.


Final Answer:
The most appropriate and idiomatic improvement is bear with.

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