16Hit1600
Craft and StructureEasy–MediumVerb fixed by the surrounding action

Craft and Structure practice question

The detective refused to accept the witness's account until she could ____ it with physical evidence from the scene.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

  1. A. corroborateCorrect
  2. B. contradict
  3. C. embellish
  4. D. postpone

Answer: A. corroborate

The detective withholds acceptance until evidence supports the account. To 'corroborate' is to confirm with supporting evidence.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. contradict
'Contradict' means to show something false — but she is waiting to ACCEPT the account, so she wants support for it.
C. embellish
'Embellish' means to add decorative or invented details, which a detective wouldn't do with evidence.
D. postpone
'Postpone' means to delay; one can't postpone an account 'with physical evidence'.

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