Question

Arrange the jumbled words appropriately to form a meaningful sentence :
dictionary | you | should | for | words | consult | difficult | a

• A. You should consult a dictionary for difficult words.
• B. For a difficult dictionary you should consult words.
• C. Consult a dictionary you should for difficult words.
• D. You consult should a dictionary for words difficult.

Answer 1

The correct option is A You should consult a dictionary for difficult words.

Normal sentences in active voice follow the pattern: Subject-verb-object. The subject and object of a sentence can be either a noun (dictionary/ words) or pronoun (you). 'Should' is an auxiliary which is used along with the verb, 'consult'. Hence, the two words appear together as a phrase i.e 'should consult'.The words, 'for difficult words' is an adverb of reason which modifies the verb, 'should consult'. These adverbs are usually placed at the end of a sentence, or in the beginning. The word, 'a' is a determiner or an article which refers to an indefinite, singular noun. The indefinite, singular noun among the words is 'dictionary'. Hence, the words, 'a dictionary' appear together.

The acceptable sequence is (i) 'You should consult a dictionary for difficult words'. Here, 'you' is the subject and 'dictionary' is the object. This sequence is given in option A which is the correct answer.

Option B: 'Difficult' is an adjective which can modify the noun, 'words'. However, it cannot describe the noun, 'dictionary' as a 'dictionary' cannot be 'difficult'. Hence, the phrase, 'difficult dictionary' does not convey any meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option C: The auxiliary 'should' must immediately precede the verb, 'consult'. In option C, the 2 words are separated. In option D, 'shoud' follows 'consult'. Hence, both these sequences are grammatically incorrect.