Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word from the options given below:
The shopkeeper ______ agreed to replace the faulty fan, but only after we had argued with him for half an hour.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → grudgingly
An adverb is a word that tells how, when, where or how much something happens. It can also describe an adjective or another adverb, for example she sings sweetly, very hot.
Complete sentence: The shopkeeper grudgingly agreed to replace the faulty fan, but only after we had argued with him for half an hour. The blank tells how the shopkeeper agreed. He agreed “only after we had argued with him for half an hour”, so he did not want to agree.
| Option | What it tells | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) grudging | an adjective: it describes a noun, as in “grudging praise”, so it cannot describe the verb “agreed” | The coach gave him a grudging nod. |
| (2) readily | quickly and willingly, without any fuss | Meera readily agreed to lead the school choir. |
| (3) grudgingly (answer) | adverb of manner: unwillingly, without really wanting to | My little brother grudgingly shared his chocolates with his cousins. |
| (4) eagerly | with great wish or excitement | The children waited eagerly for the results. |