Question

    In the question below, a sentence is provided, with one

    word highlighted in bold. Three pairs of words is given, out of which only one word of each pair can replace the highlighted word to make the sentence grammatically and meaningfully correct. From the options below, choose the one that provides the correct combination of words of each pair that will replace the highlighted word. Individuals and organizations are typically condition to tamp down tension and focus on consensus, but maximizing tension is actually the key to innovation. (A) conditioning /(B) conditioned (C) trained /(D) train (E) custom / (F) accustomed
    A ABF Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B ACF Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C BDF Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D BCF Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E BCE Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    (d) We need a verb in the past participle form to fit in the passive voice construction ARE + VERB. The sentence talks about how individuals and organisations are trained to reduce tension and focus on building an agreement. CONDITIONED, TRAINED and ACCUSTOMED (in the habit of) will fit here. Thus, (d) is the right answer. A is incorrect as CONDITIONING is a verb in the continuous form. D is incorrect as TRAIN is a verb in the base form. E is incorrect as CUSTOM is a noun.

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