Choose the correct option to make the following sentence grammatically correct.
The people are trying ___________ many of our old traditions and opting for modern interpretations.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → to get rid of
Complete sentence: The people are trying to get rid of many of our old traditions and opting for modern interpretations. People are making an effort to get rid of many old traditions.
| Option | Form and use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) to get rid of (answer) | Try in the sense of "make an effort" is followed by the to-infinitive: are trying to get. The fixed phrase is get rid of (= free oneself from something unwanted). Its preposition is of, not "off". | We are trying to get rid of the old furniture before we move. |
| (2) to getting rid off | "trying to getting": try takes the base form after "to". "rid off": the phrase is "rid of". | – |
| (3) for got rid off | "trying for got" is ungrammatical. Try needs "to + base form". "rid off" is wrong. | – |
| (4) to be having rid off | "to be having rid" is not a possible form of the phrase. "rid off" is wrong. | – |