Multiple choice

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

The fact that the terrorists left no clue has laid credence to the apprehension in certain quarters that it may have been arranged to discredit the army.

  1. has laid credence to the apprehension

  2. has laid credence in the apprehension

  3. has laid credence for the apprehension

  4. has lent credence for the apprehension

  5. has lent credence to the apprehension
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

Explanation for (1): 'Laid' is the past tense of 'lay', (position or put something) which is inappropriate here.

Explanation for (2): 'Laid' is the past tense of 'lay', (position or put something) which is inappropriate here. Also, credence is followed by 'to' not 'in'.

Explanation for (3): 'Laid' is the past tense of 'lay', (position or put something) which is inappropriate here. Also, credence is followed by 'to' not 'for'.
Explanation for (4): The option corrects the error of diction but introduces the error of idiomatic usage. Explanation for (5):  'Laid' is the past tense of 'lay' which means to position or put something. 'Lent' is the past participle form of 'lend' and is the correct usage.

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