Question

Difficulty: EasyFrequently Confused Words

Because the screws on the bicycle seat were lose, the rider struggled to maintain balance on the bumpy path.

Which choice represents the correct spelling and usage of the underlined word in the sentence?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. looseAnswer
  3. C
    loss
  4. D
    losing

Answer

The correct answer is 'loose' because it is the adjective that describes the screws as not being tight.
The correct answer is 'loose' because it is an adjective meaning 'not tight or firmly in place,' which accurately describes the state of the screws on the bicycle seat.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the required part of speech and meaning.
The word modifies the noun 'screws' and describes their physical state of not being tight. This requires an adjective.
Identifying the grammatical role helps eliminate incorrect parts of speech.
2
Evaluate the spelling and definition of the word choices.
'loose' is an adjective meaning 'not firmly fixed,' whereas 'lose' is a verb meaning 'to misplace.'
Distinguishing between these frequently confused words ensures the correct semantic fit.

Key Concept

Frequently Confused Words (loose vs. lose)
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