Choose the most appropriate option to complete the given sentence:-
After years of hard work, my sister's efforts finally ____ when she got a promotion.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → paid off
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.
Pay off (of a plan or effort) means to bring success or a good result. Years of hard work brought her a promotion, so her efforts "paid off".
Example: His daily practice paid off when he won the gold medal.
Complete sentence: After years of hard work, my sister's efforts finally paid off when she got a promotion.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: paid up — Incorrect. To pay up is to pay the full amount of money that is owed, often unwillingly. Efforts cannot pay up.
Example: The tenant finally paid up the three months' rent.
Option 3: paid in — Incorrect. To pay in is to put money into a bank account. It has nothing to do with success.
Example: She paid in her salary cheque at the bank.
Option 4: paid of — Incorrect. "Pay of" is not a phrasal verb. "Of" is probably a misspelling of "off". "Pay" can be followed by "of" only as a noun, as in "the pay of a soldier".
Example: The pay of a nurse has risen this year.