Select the word which can replace the underlined word.
Before long he returned to complete the task.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → ere
Ere is an old, literary word meaning before. So "Before long" can be replaced by "Ere long", meaning soon.
Example: Ere night falls, we must reach the village.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: heir — Incorrect. An heir is a person who inherits property or a title.
Example: He is the heir to the throne.
Option 2: air — Incorrect. Air is the mixture of gases we breathe.
Example: The mountain air is fresh.
Option 4: err — Incorrect. To err is to make a mistake.
Example: To err is human.
The four words sound alike but differ in meaning: ere is before, heir is one who inherits, air is what we breathe, and err is to make a mistake.