Select the most appropriate phrase for the underlined segment in the given sentence.
My mother said, “You must pay attention to your studies.”
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The most appropriate phrase for the underlined segment in the given sentence is (1) Concentrate on.
The other options do not fit the context of the sentence.
- To concentrate on something means to focus your attention on it.
- To back up something means to support or defend it.
- To act up to something means to live up to or fulfill it.
- To ask for something means to request it.
In the given sentence, the mother is telling her child to focus their attention on their studies. The phrase "pay attention" is a synonym for "concentrate" and is the most appropriate way to express this meaning.