Choose the correct option to fill in the blank in the given sentence:
English verbs do not always fit very easily into______ categories. For instance, is the verb 'used to' an ordinary verb or a modal verb like 'would'?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → discrete
Discrete means separate and distinct; existing as individual parts. The sentence says that English verbs do not always fit neatly into separate categories: "used to" seems to lie between an ordinary verb and a modal verb.
Example: The course is divided into four discrete units.
Discrete and discreet sound the same: discrete means separate, discreet means careful and tactful.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: adjoining — Incorrect. Adjoining means next to and joined with; categories that touch each other would go against the point being made.
Example: We booked two adjoining rooms in the hotel.
Option 3: discreet — Incorrect. Discreet means careful about what one says or does, so as not to embarrass anyone or reveal a secret; it describes people, not categories.
Example: Please be discreet about what you heard in the meeting.
Option 4: discursive — Incorrect. Discursive means moving from one subject to another without a clear plan; it describes writing or speech.
Example: His discursive essay never came to the point.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| discrete | 20-05 S2 | 23-05 S2 | 29-05 S1 | 07-06 S1 | – |
| discreet | 20-05 S2 | – | 29-05 S1 | 07-06 S1 | – |