Many of us spend a lot of time about the difficulties and problems of life. It is easy to find fault with things that make daily life arduous. For an engineer, these difficulties can be opportunities. How can this be made better? How can that process be made more efficient? How can components be made more cheaply, more accurately and more fit-for purpose? Great engineers are convinced that everything can be improved. Instead of complaining, they think of ways to make things better.
Result:
AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.
Correct answer: for
Explanation: The preposition 'for' is used to indicate a talent or skill related to a specific activity, in this case, invention and innovation. It fits grammatically as it connects the noun 'talent' with the gerund 'invention' and 'innovation', indicating the purpose of the talent.
Meaning: 'For' indicates a purpose or suitability, meaning that engineers have a talent that is suitable for or related to invention and innovation.
Wrong options:
- within: 'Within' suggests an internal aspect, which does not fit the context of having a talent for a specific activity.
- through: 'Through' implies a means or method, which is not appropriate here as it does not convey the idea of suitability for invention and innovation.
- by: 'By' indicates a method or means of doing something, which does not align with the context of possessing a talent.
Correct answer: what
Explanation: The word 'what' is used as a relative pronoun to introduce a clause that specifies the subject of the sentence. It fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to the driving force behind engineers' actions.
Meaning: 'What' refers to the specific thing or idea that drives engineers, in this case, their conviction.
Wrong options:
- which: 'Which' is used to introduce non-defining relative clauses and does not fit here as it does not specify the driving force in the same way as 'what'.
- how: 'How' refers to the manner of doing something, which does not fit the context of identifying the driving force behind engineers' motivation.
- that: 'That' is a restrictive relative pronoun but does not convey the same emphasis on the conviction as 'what' does.
Correct answer: to
Explanation: The preposition 'to' indicates direction or purpose, fitting grammatically and contextually as it connects the solution to the problems being addressed.
Meaning: 'To' indicates the purpose of the solution, meaning it is aimed at addressing the problems of human existence.
Wrong options:
- from: 'From' indicates a source or origin, which does not fit the context of providing a solution to problems.
- for: 'For' suggests a benefit or purpose but does not convey the directional aspect needed in this context.
- by: 'By' indicates a method or means, which does not align with the intended meaning of addressing problems.
Correct answer: limited
Explanation: The adjective 'limited' describes the noun 'resources', fitting grammatically and contextually as it conveys the idea that resources are finite on Earth.
Meaning: 'Limited' means restricted in quantity or extent, indicating that the resources available on Earth are not abundant.
Wrong options:
- unlimited: 'Unlimited' suggests an abundance, which contradicts the context of discussing the scarcity of resources.
- numerous: 'Numerous' implies a large quantity but does not convey the idea of restriction or scarcity that 'limited' does.
- mysterious: 'Mysterious' refers to something that is difficult to understand or explain, which does not fit the context of describing resources.
Correct answer: complaining
Explanation: The gerund 'complaining' fits grammatically as it serves as the object of the preposition 'about', indicating the action that many people engage in regarding difficulties.
Meaning: 'Complaining' means expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance about something, in this case, the difficulties of life.
Wrong options:
- to complain: 'To complain' is an infinitive form, which does not fit the grammatical structure required after the preposition 'about'.
- complains: 'Complains' is a present tense verb form that does not fit the context of describing a general action performed by many people.
- complained: 'Complained' is a past tense form, which does not align with the ongoing action of expressing dissatisfaction.
Correct answer: to work
Explanation: The phrase 'to work' is an infinitive that indicates purpose, fitting grammatically and contextually as it expresses the aim of making the process more effective.
Meaning: 'To work' means to function or operate effectively, indicating the goal of improving the process.
Wrong options:
- to work: This option is correct and should not be included in the wrong options.
- works: 'Works' is a present tense verb form that does not fit the grammatical structure needed here, as it does not convey purpose.
- working: 'Working' is a gerund that does not fit the context of indicating the aim of making the process better.
The rest of this explanation is for members. Sign in free to read why the other options are wrong, key words and tips.
Sign in to read the full explanation