Question

reading contextual meanings
read the following sentences. if the word in bold is used correctly, write c on the line.
if the word is used incorrectly, write a new sentence using the word correctly.

1. the utilitarian company soon repaired the power lines.
2. the machine has a propensity to stop without warning.
3. the earth is interposed between venus and mars.
4. a naval bombardment drove the marauders away.
5. i gave the aggrieved customer her money back.
6. i comported myself into the upper bunk.
7. i was disconcerted when i discovered that id left my phone at home.
8. the fauna in the spine of the old book fell apart when i picked it up.
9. his patrician air made him look every bit a senator.
10. the new bosss phlegmatic approach to problem - solving improved office morale.

Explanation:

1. "Utilitarian" means practical and useful, not a type of company. Correct usage example: The utilitarian design of the tool made it very popular.
2. "Propensity" means a natural inclination or tendency, and it is used correctly here as the machine has a tendency to stop. So write C.
3. "Interposed" means to place or come between two things. Earth is not typically described as "interposed" between Venus and Mars in a common - sense way. Correct usage: He interposed himself between the two arguing parties.
4. "Naval bombardment" is the use of naval guns to attack, and it is used correctly as it drove the marauders away. So write C.
5. "Aggrieved" means feeling resentful at having been unfairly treated, and giving money back to an aggrieved customer makes sense. So write C.
6. "Comported" means to behave or conduct oneself. The usage here is incorrect. Correct usage: She comported herself with dignity at the event.
7. "Disconcerted" means feeling confused and slightly worried, and it is used correctly as one would feel that way on leaving a phone at home. So write C.
8. "Fauna" refers to animals, not part of a book. Correct usage: The fauna of the rain - forest is diverse.
9. "Patrician" means of noble birth or having the qualities associated with the nobility, and it is used correctly to describe someone's air. So write C.
10. "Phlegmatic" means having an unemotional and calm nature, and it is used correctly as a calm approach can improve office morale. So write C.

Answer:

1. Incorrect. The utilitarian design of the tool made it very popular.
2. C
3. Incorrect. He interposed himself between the two arguing parties.
4. C
5. C
6. Incorrect. She comported herself with dignity at the event.
7. C
8. Incorrect. The fauna of the rain - forest is diverse.
9. C
10. C