Choose the most appropriate word to fill in the blank:
The lawyer tried to _____ the witness to provide a clearer explanation of the events to the jury.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → prompt
To prompt someone means to encourage or urge them to say or do something. The lawyer is urging the witness to give a clearer account of the events, so "prompt the witness to provide" fits.
Example: The teacher prompted the shy student to share her answer.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: preside — Incorrect. To preside is to be in charge of a meeting, a trial or a ceremony ("preside over"). It cannot be followed by "the witness to provide".
Example: The judge presided over the hearing.
Option 2: prolong — Incorrect. To prolong is to make something last longer. It does not mean urging someone to speak.
Example: Heavy rain prolonged the match by an hour.
Option 3: propose — Incorrect. To propose is to put forward a plan or suggestion. One proposes an idea, not a person to do something.
Example: He proposed a new schedule for the team.