Question

There was a major accident. The plane crashed. The pilot_________ did not see the tower. Choose an appropriate word to fill in the blanks.

• A. Likely
• B. Probably
• C. Scarcely
• D. Hurriedly

Hint:

"Probably" is the standard adverb used in English to express a logical deduction or high probability of a past event when direct proof is not yet confirmed.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This is a sentence completion question that tests English vocabulary, syntax, and context-appropriate usage of adverbs.
We need to select an adverb that logically fits the sequence of events (a plane crash caused by a pilot not seeing a tower).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each option to find the best fit:
- Option (A) Likely: While "likely" refers to probability, it is primarily used as an adjective (e.g., "It is likely that_____") or requires the auxiliary verb "will" or "to be" when used as an adverb. Saying "The pilot likely did not see_____" is grammatically weaker here compared to "probably."
- Option (B) Probably: This adverb is used to indicate that something is highly plausible or is the most reasonable explanation for an event. In the context of an accident investigation where the exact cause is inferred, "The pilot probably did not see the tower" is the most natural and grammatically correct way to express this assumption.
- Option (C) Scarcely: This means "hardly" or "barely" (e.g., "He had scarcely arrived when_____"). Using it here would change the meaning to "The pilot barely did not see," which is grammatically incorrect and illogical in this context.
- Option (D) Hurriedly: This means doing something in a rushed manner. It does not fit the context of failing to see a large stationary object like a tower.
Therefore, "probably" is the most appropriate word to fill the blank.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (B).