Improvement of sentence: a part of the following sentence is considered incorrect. Choose the alternative that best improves the sentence. If no improvement is needed, choose the option marked No improvement. Really speaking, no man is perfect.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Strictly

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question checks your understanding of common English adverbial phrases used to introduce a statement. The sentence begins with Really speaking, which sounds awkward and non standard. The task is to choose a more natural alternative that expresses the intended meaning without changing the basic idea of the sentence.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Original sentence: Really speaking, no man is perfect.
  • The underlined part is the word Really at the beginning.
  • Options: Strictly, slightly, vaguely, No improvement, and Truly.
  • Intended meaning: From a strict or exact point of view, no human being is perfect.


Concept / Approach:
In idiomatic English, expressions such as Strictly speaking, generally speaking, frankly speaking, and technically speaking are common. Really speaking is not used in standard formal English. The sentence is making an absolute statement about human imperfection, which fits best with Strictly speaking, no man is perfect. The adverb strictly correctly introduces a statement that is true in a precise or absolute sense.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that Really speaking is the awkward or incorrect phrase. Step 2: Recall the fixed phrase Strictly speaking, used before absolute or technical statements. Step 3: Substitute Strictly for Really in the sentence: Strictly speaking, no man is perfect. Step 4: Confirm that this new sentence is natural, idiomatic, and preserves the original meaning.


Verification / Alternative check:
Test each option in the sentence. Slightly speaking and vaguely speaking are not standard expressions. No improvement would keep the unusual and non idiomatic Really speaking. Truly speaking is also uncommon compared to the very frequent Strictly speaking. Grammar and usage books regularly list Strictly speaking as the correct conventional form used in such philosophical or generalising statements.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • slightly: Slightly speaking does not exist as a recognised English phrase.
  • vaguely: Vaguely speaking would mean speaking in an unclear way, which does not suit a strong general truth.
  • No improvement: Wrong because Really speaking is not idiomatic in formal or exam English.
  • Truly: Truly speaking is rarely used; even if understood, it is not the standard collocation tested in exams.


Common Pitfalls:
Students may be tempted by No improvement because the sentence is understandable. Others may choose Truly since it seems close to Really. However, competitive exams often test whether you know fixed expressions exactly. Strictly speaking is the widely accepted phrase for emphasising a precise or absolute truth, making it the best choice here.


Final Answer:
Correct option: Strictly.

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