Select the correct word from the given options to fill in the blank in the given sentence:
I am ________ to solve this problem today.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → determined
Adjective after a linking verb:
- A linking verb such as am, is, are, seem, feel is followed by an adjective that describes the subject.
- Determined is an adjective meaning firmly decided to do something; it is followed by to + verb.
- This sentence: "I am determined to solve this problem today" describes the speaker's firm resolve.
- Complete sentence: I am determined to solve this problem today.
Example: She is determined to win the gold medal this year.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: determination — Incorrect. Determination is a noun (firmness of purpose); "I am determination" would make the speaker the quality itself. We say "I have the determination to ...".
Example: Her determination helped her clear the exam.
Option 3: determine — Incorrect. Determine is the base form of the verb (to find out or decide); a base verb cannot follow "am".
Example: The doctors will determine the cause of the illness.
Option 4: determining — Incorrect. With "am" it forms the continuous tense, "I am determining", which means "I am finding out"; "I am determining to solve" is not English.
Example: The committee is determining the date of the exam.