Meaning: 'Being able' means having the capability or capacity to do something, in this case, to store items in short-term memory.

Wrong options:

• is able: This option is in the present tense and does not fit well as it lacks the gerund form needed to connect with the preceding clause.
• be able: This is an infinitive form and does not grammatically fit in the context of the sentence where a gerund is required.
• unable: This word indicates a lack of ability, which contradicts the context of discussing the capacity of short-term memory.

Correct answer: However

Explanation: The word 'However' serves as a discourse marker that introduces a contrast to the previous statement about short-term memory's capacity. It effectively signals a shift in the argument, making it contextually appropriate.

Meaning: 'However' means 'on the other hand' or 'nevertheless,' indicating a contrast or exception to what was previously stated.

Wrong options:

• Moreover: This word suggests an addition rather than a contrast, which does not fit the context of the sentence.
• So: This implies a cause-and-effect relationship, which is not the intention here as we are contrasting ideas.
• Therefore: This indicates a conclusion or result, which does not align with the contrasting nature of the information presented.

Correct answer: commiting

Explanation: The word 'commiting' is the gerund form that fits grammatically as it follows the phrase 'thereby,' indicating the action resulting from the previous clause. It maintains the flow of the sentence and aligns with the context of encoding information into long-term memory.

Meaning: 'Committing' means to make something a permanent part of memory, in this case, transferring information to long-term memory.

Wrong options:

• commit: This is the base form of the verb and does not fit grammatically after 'thereby,' which requires a gerund.
• commits: This is the third person singular present tense form, which does not fit the context of the sentence as it needs a gerund.
• commited: This is a misspelling of 'committed' and is also in the past participle form, which does not fit the grammatical structure required here.