Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: He tried as he could
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:This item checks idiomatic comparison and completeness of a fixed phrase. The intended expression is “He tried as hard as he could,” which uses a degree modifier to complete the comparison. Omitting “hard” makes the structure unidiomatic and incomplete.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Step-by-Step Solution:
Spot the missing degree word in “as … as …”.Insert the appropriate adverb: “hard”.Correct version: “He tried as hard as he could; Naveen did not succeed in getting his car to start up.”Verification / Alternative check:
Replace with a synonymous structure: “He made every possible effort …” confirms the intended meaning of maximal effort.Why Other Options Are Wrong:
B–D: These segments are grammatically fine (though punctuation could use a semicolon or conjunction between independent clauses; punctuation is not the tested error).E: Incorrect because an error appears in A.Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting to complete correlative structures; overlooking idiomatic collocations like “try hard”.Final Answer:
He tried as he could
Discussion & Comments