Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word from the options given below:
Although Sudhir did not get much time to prepare, yet he could present the topic ----------- before the board of directors.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Effectively
Adverb of manner:
- An adverb of manner describes a verb: it tells how an action is done.
- Most adverbs of manner are formed by adding -ly to an adjective: effective → effectively.
- This sentence: the blank tells how Sudhir could present the topic, so the adverb effectively (in a way that produces the desired result) is needed.
- Complete sentence: Although Sudhir did not get much time to prepare, yet he could present the topic effectively before the board of directors.
Example: She explained the new proposal effectively to the committee.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Effective — Incorrect. Effective is an adjective; it describes a noun, not the verb "present".
Example: It was an effective presentation.
Option 3: Effectfully — Incorrect. "Effectfully" is not a word in standard English; the adverb formed from effective is effectively.
Option 4: Affective — Incorrect. Affective is an adjective meaning connected with emotions and feelings; it is the wrong part of speech and has the wrong meaning. (Effective and affective sound alike: effective means producing a result, affective means connected with feelings.)
Example: Music has a strong affective influence on young children.
Contrast: the adverb "effectively" tells how an action is done (present the topic effectively); the adjective "effective" describes a noun (an effective presentation).