Choose the correct noun form of the word given in brackets to fill in the blank:
The loud band at the wedding next door was a big ______ to my exam preparation. (hinder)
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → hindrance
Abstract noun from a verb:
- Some verbs make an abstract noun with -ance. Hinder → hindrance. The e of -er is dropped.
- The blank comes after “a big”, so it needs a noun. “Hindrance” means something that gets in the way.
- Complete sentence: The loud band at the wedding next door was a big hindrance to my exam preparation.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: hindered — Incorrect. “Hindered” is the past form of the verb “hinder”. It means stopped or slowed down. Example: Heavy rain hindered the repair work on the bridge.
Option 2: hindsight — Incorrect. “Hindsight” is a noun, but it does not come from “hinder”. It means understanding an event only after it has happened. Example: In hindsight, I should have started revising earlier.
Option 4: hinders — Incorrect. “Hinders” is the verb form used with he, she or it. Example: Too much screen time hinders good sleep.