Select the best option to fill in the blank with the correct phrasal verb:-
I had to _____ some discrepancies in the report before submitting it to the board.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → iron out
A phrasal verb is a verb joined with a small word such as up, out or together. The two words together have a new meaning.
To iron out problems or differences is to remove or settle them, as an iron smooths out creases. The speaker had to sort out the discrepancies before the report went to the board.
Example: The two sides met to iron out their differences.
Complete sentence: I had to iron out some discrepancies in the report before submitting it to the board.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: iron in — Incorrect. "Iron in" is not a phrasal verb in English. It has no meaning of its own.
Option 3: iron off — Incorrect. "Iron off" is not a phrasal verb either.
Option 4: iron on — Incorrect. To iron something on is literally to fix a patch or label to cloth with a hot iron. It cannot be used for discrepancies.
Example: She ironed on a badge to her school blazer.