Choose the best alternative to complete the given sentence from the options given below.
They are having trouble _________ the contract.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → nailing down
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 nail down something is to settle it firmly and finally, to reach a definite agreement on it. "They are having trouble nailing down the contract" means they find it hard to fix its final terms.
Example: The two companies are still trying to nail down the price.
Complete sentence: They are having trouble nailing down the contract.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: nailing in — Incorrect. "Nail in" is not a phrasal verb with any meaning of settling. It only means hammering a nail into something.
Option 3: nailing for — Incorrect. "Nail for" is not used in English as a phrasal verb.
Option 4: nailing up — Incorrect. To nail up is to fix something high with nails or to close a door or box with nails. It does not apply to a contract.
Example: He nailed up the notice on the gate.