Craft and StructureEasy–MediumVerb fixed by a described change in status
Craft and Structure practice question
The new evidence did much to ____ the theory, turning what had been a tentative idea into the leading explanation.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
- A. bolsterCorrect
- B. undermine
- C. delay
- D. describe
Answer: A. bolster
The theory went from tentative to leading — it was strengthened. To 'bolster' is to support or strengthen.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. undermine
- 'Undermine' means to weaken, the opposite of what happened.
- C. delay
- Evidence doesn't delay a theory, and delay doesn't turn an idea into the leading explanation.
- D. describe
- Describing a theory doesn't change its standing.
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