In the following question, the sentence is given with a blank to be filled in with an appropriate word. Select the correct alternative out of the four and indicate it by selecting the appropriate option. I shall _____ her if she apologises to me for her misbehavior.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: forgive

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This fill in the blank question is about choosing the correct verb to express an appropriate reaction to an apology. The speaker talks about what they will do if the other person apologises for misbehavior. The correct option should logically match the idea of accepting an apology rather than reacting harshly.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Sentence: I shall _____ her if she apologises to me for her misbehavior.
  • Options: pardon, forgive, punish, reprimand.
  • The condition if she apologises suggests a positive change of heart by the other person.
  • The main clause should show a reasonable and often generous response to such an apology.


Concept / Approach:
In everyday English, the verb forgive is used most commonly when someone apologises and the listener decides not to stay angry or resentful. Pardon is also related but is more formal and often associated with legal situations or official acts. Punish and reprimand mean to impose a negative consequence or scolding, which contradicts the spirit of accepting an apology. Therefore, you should choose the verb that fits a kind and reconciliatory response.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the action in the subordinate clause: she apologises to me for her misbehavior.Step 2: Understand that an apology normally calls for a positive or forgiving reaction if the speaker is generous.Step 3: Test forgive in the blank: I shall forgive her if she apologises to me for her misbehavior. This reads naturally and expresses acceptance.Step 4: Compare with I shall pardon her. Although grammatically correct, this sounds formal and less common in daily personal interactions.Step 5: Note that punish and reprimand conflict with the purpose of an apology, which is to reduce or remove anger.Step 6: Conclude that forgive is the most appropriate and natural choice.


Verification / Alternative check:
Try paraphrasing the sentence: If she says sorry for her misbehavior, I will forgive her. This is a very common pattern in ordinary speech and writing. It matches well with the emotional logic of apologies and forgiveness. The word forgive is widely used in moral, religious, and interpersonal contexts to describe letting go of resentment.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Pardon: While one can say I shall pardon her, this is usually used in formal, legal, or official settings, such as a president pardoning a criminal. It does not match the intimate tone of a personal apology as well as forgive does.
Punish: If the speaker says I shall punish her if she apologises, the sentence becomes illogical. Apology is generally expected to reduce punishment, not trigger it.
Reprimand: To reprimand someone means to scold or criticise them. Again, doing this after an apology contradicts the expected purpose of saying sorry.


Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may be tempted by the word pardon because it seems closer to examination style vocabulary. However, exams also test naturalness in usage. Another mistake is to ignore the conditional clause and look only at individual word meanings, without considering emotional coherence. Whenever an apology appears in a sentence, always think of forgiveness or acceptance as the most usual reaction, unless the sentence explicitly states the opposite. This approach leads quickly to the correct option here.


Final Answer:
The correct word for the blank is forgive, giving the sentence I shall forgive her if she apologises to me for her misbehavior.

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