Examkin

Frequently Confused Words

33 questions

All types33Multiple choice18Fill in the blank15
Question 1Question →

Which word from the pair 'mitigate' and 'militate' correctly fills each blank in the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

Although the municipal committee hoped the new zoning laws would the environmental impact of rapid urban expansion, several economic factors threatened to against the success of the initiative.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The first blank must be filled with 'mitigate' and the second blank must be filled with 'militate'.
The word 'mitigate' is a transitive verb meaning to alleviate or lessen, which correctly fits the first blank as it takes 'the environmental impact' as its direct object. The word 'militate' is an intransitive verb meaning to work or exert influence against something, which correctly fits the second blank and aligns with the preposition 'against' in the phrase 'militate against the success.'

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Define the meanings of the target words.
The verb 'mitigate' means to make less severe, serious, or painful (to alleviate). The verb 'militate' means to be a powerful or conclusive factor in preventing or acting against something, and it is almost always followed by the preposition 'against'.
Establishing definitions is necessary to determine which word fits the semantic and syntactic context of each blank.
2
Analyze the syntactic and semantic context of the first blank.
The first blank requires a transitive verb that can take the direct object 'the environmental impact.' Since the goal is to lessen the negative impact, 'mitigate' is the correct fit.
This determines the correct word for the first blank.
3
Analyze the syntactic and semantic context of the second blank.
The second blank is followed by the preposition 'against' and describes how economic factors act to prevent the success of the initiative. The verb 'militate' fits this structure and meaning perfectly.
This determines the correct word for the second blank.

Key Concept

Frequently Confused Words (Mitigate vs. Militate)
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 2Question →

Consider the following sentence:

Because the climatologist warned that a severe drought was eminent, the agricultural council recommended that farmers immediately transition to drought-resistant crops.

Which of the following is the correct form of the underlined word in the context of this sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: imminent

Answer

The correct choice is the option that replaces the underlined word with the adjective meaning about to happen or impending.
The correct choice is the word meaning about to occur or impending. In this context, the climatologist is warning about a drought that is going to happen soon, which makes the correct word choice the adjective meaning impending.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the meaning of the underlined word in the sentence's context.
The sentence describes a climatologist warning about a drought that is about to happen, requiring an adjective meaning impending.
Understanding the semantic requirement of the sentence is necessary to choose the correct word.
2
Evaluate the given choices for their definitions and grammatical roles.
The word meaning famous or prominent is incorrect. The word meaning inherent is incorrect. The adverb meaning highly is grammatically incorrect. Only the word meaning impending fits both semantically and grammatically.
Comparing the options ensures the selected word meets all context and grammatical requirements.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between homophones and frequently confused words in context
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 3Question →

The climatologist warned that a major rise in sea levels was eminent if carbon emissions were not drastically reduced over the next decade.

Which choice is the correct replacement for the underlined word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: imminent

Answer

imminent
The correct answer is the word meaning 'about to happen' or 'impending' because the sentence refers to a future rise in sea levels that is threatened to occur soon if action is not taken. The word 'imminent' is the correct spelling for this meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the intended meaning of the underlined word.
The sentence describes a climatologist warning about a future rise in sea levels that will occur soon if carbon emissions are not reduced. The context requires a word meaning 'about to happen' or 'impending.'
Understanding the context establishes the semantic requirements of the target word.
2
Evaluate the definition of the underlined word to see if it is correct.
The underlined word 'eminent' means famous, respected, or distinguished. This does not make sense when describing a rise in sea levels, meaning a change is necessary.
This step determines whether the original phrasing is grammatically and semantically correct.
3
Compare the definitions of the alternatives to find the word that matches the required meaning.
The word 'imminent' directly translates to 'about to happen' or 'impending,' which fits the context. The other choices, 'immanent' (meaning inherent) and 'prominent' (meaning conspicuous or important), do not convey this temporal relationship.
This identifies the correct homophone based on precise definitions.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between similar-sounding words (homophones and near-homophones) such as eminent, imminent, and immanent to ensure semantic accuracy in context.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 4Question →

Complete the passage by typing the correct words in the blanks. Ensure you choose the correct word from commonly confused pairs based on the context of the sentence.

Fill in the blanks below

Although the research committee was not to incorporating unconventional methodologies, they insisted that the experimental trials remain from the primary clinical studies to avoid confounding the data.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The first blank must be filled with 'averse' and the second blank must be filled with 'discrete'.
The correct words are 'averse' and 'discrete'. 'Averse' properly expresses the committee's lack of opposition to the methodologies. 'Discrete' correctly states that the trials must remain separate and distinct from the main studies.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the correct word for the first blank to express the committee's lack of opposition to the unconventional methodologies.
The word is 'averse' (meaning reluctant or opposed).
This distinguishes it from 'adverse', which means harmful or unfavorable.
2
Identify the correct word for the second blank to denote that the trials must remain separate and distinct from the main studies.
The word is 'discrete' (meaning separate or distinct).
This distinguishes it from 'discreet', which means cautious or secretive.

Key Concept

Identifying correct usage within frequently confused word pairs (adverse/averse and discrete/discreet) based on grammatical and semantic context.
Question 5Question →

In the passage below, fill in each blank with the correct choice from the homophones 'discreet' and 'discrete' to ensure semantic and grammatical correctness.

Fill in the blanks below

To protect the privacy of the study's participants, the research team made a effort to keep all identifying data confidential, analyzing the information only as data points that could not be linked back to specific individuals.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The first blank must be filled with 'discreet' and the second blank must be filled with 'discrete'.
The correct response uses 'discreet' in the first blank because the context of protecting participant privacy requires a word meaning cautious, confidential, or circumspect. It uses 'discrete' in the second blank because describing data points that are unlinked and separate requires a word meaning distinct or individual.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the required meaning for the first blank based on the surrounding context.
The first blank describes an 'effort to keep all identifying data confidential' to protect privacy. This context requires an adjective meaning cautious, wary, or respecting privacy. The correct spelling for this meaning is 'discreet'.
Analyzing the first part of the sentence establishes the semantic demand for confidentiality and prudence.
2
Determine the required meaning for the second blank based on the surrounding context.
The second blank describes 'data points' that are analyzed individually and cannot be linked back to specific individuals. This context requires an adjective meaning distinct, separate, or discontinuous. The correct spelling for this meaning is 'discrete'.
Analyzing the second part of the sentence establishes the semantic demand for separate, individual units of data.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between the homophones 'discreet' (showing prudence, caution, or keeping secrets) and 'discrete' (constituting a separate, distinct, or individual entity).
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 6Question →

In an effort to protect the endangered wetland habitat, the local conservation board voted to prescribe any commercial development within a two-mile radius of the estuary.

Which choice best fits the context of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: proscribe

Answer

The correct choice is 'proscribe'.
The correct choice is 'proscribe' because it means to forbid or ban, which fits the context of protecting the endangered wetland habitat. The verb is transitive and correctly takes the direct object 'any commercial development' without a preposition.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the context and the intended meaning of the underlined word.
The sentence describes a conservation board acting to protect a habitat by limiting commercial development. Therefore, the board wants to forbid or ban development.
Understanding the context allows us to determine the semantic role of the target word.
2
Evaluate the meaning of 'prescribe' versus 'proscribe'.
'Prescribe' means to recommend or establish a rule. 'Proscribe' means to outlaw, forbid, or ban.
Distinguishing between these frequently confused homophones is necessary to choose the word with the correct meaning.
3
Check for grammatical correctness and idiomatic usage.
The verb 'proscribe' is transitive and directly takes the noun phrase 'any commercial development' as its object. The preposition 'against' is unnecessary and ungrammatical.
Ensuring the chosen word fits the syntactic structure of the sentence is crucial for grammar assessment.

Key Concept

Frequently Confused Words
Question 7Question →

Before the museum acquired the ancient artifact, the board of trustees hired an independent expert to apprise its historical value and determine a fair purchase price.

Which of the following options is the correct choice to replace the underlined word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: appraise

Answer

The correct choice is 'appraise' because it means to assess the value or quality of something, which fits the context of evaluating the artifact's historical worth.
The correct choice is 'appraise.' The context of the sentence describes an expert hired to evaluate the historical worth of an artifact to establish a purchase price. The verb 'appraise' means to assess or estimate the value or quality of something, which fits this meaning perfectly.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the context of the sentence and the role of the independent expert, which involves evaluating the artifact's historical worth to determine a fair purchase price.
The expert's task is to evaluate the artifact's worth to determine its price.
Understanding the context helps determine the correct meaning required for the sentence.
2
Analyze the meaning of the underlined word, 'apprise,' which means to inform or notify someone. Recognize that one cannot 'inform' a value, making this choice incorrect.
The current word does not fit the semantic requirements of the sentence.
Verifying the definition of the original word identifies if a correction is needed.
3
Compare the alternative choices. The word 'appraise' means to estimate the value or quality of something. This fits the context of evaluation. The word 'praise' means to express approval, which is incorrect in this professional context. The phrase 'apprise of' is also incorrect because it does not resolve the meaning of informing a value.
The word 'appraise' is identified as the only semantically correct alternative.
Evaluating all options ensures the selected choice satisfies the grammatical and contextual needs of the sentence.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between frequently confused words, specifically near-homophones like 'appraise' (to evaluate) and 'apprise' (to inform).
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 8Question →

The following sentence contains two blanks. Which words from the commonly confused pair 'tortuous' and 'torturous' correctly fill the blanks to maintain the proper meaning of the sentence?

Fill in the blanks below

The hikers spent hours winding along the trail that hugged the cliffside, a journey that became a test of endurance in the blistering heat.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The first blank should be filled with 'tortuous' and the second blank should be filled with 'torturous'.
The word 'tortuous' means full of twists and turns, which correctly describes the physical path of the winding trail. The word 'torturous' means involving or causing severe pain or suffering, which fits the context of a grueling test of endurance in the blistering heat.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the first blank, which describes a path that is 'winding along the... trail'.
The word must mean full of twists, turns, or bends.
The trail is described as winding, which corresponds to the definition of 'tortuous' (full of twists and turns).
2
Analyze the context of the second blank, which describes 'a... test of endurance in the blistering heat'.
The word must mean causing intense pain, suffering, or hardship.
A grueling hike in extreme heat causes physical suffering, which corresponds to the definition of 'torturous' (involving or causing torture or severe pain).

Key Concept

Distinguishing between the homophones 'tortuous' (winding, crooked) and 'torturous' (painful, agonizing).
Question 9Question →

The literary critic argued that the poet’s frequent illusions to historical events were not merely decorative but served as a crucial framework for understanding the political undercurrents of the work.

Which of the following is the correct edit for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: allusions

Answer

allusions
The correct option is 'allusions' because the context of the sentence describes a poet making indirect references to historical events. The noun 'allusion' means an indirect or passing reference, and it is idiomatically followed by the preposition 'to.'

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the intended meaning of the underlined word.
The sentence discusses a poet referring to historical events to provide a framework for their work, meaning the target word must mean 'indirect references.'
Identifying the target meaning is necessary to select the correct word among the frequently confused terms.
2
Evaluate the definitions of the word choices.
'Allusions' means indirect references; 'illusions' means deceptive appearances; 'delusions' means false beliefs; 'elusions' means acts of escaping.
Comparing definitions ensures the chosen word fits the semantic context of the sentence.
3
Select the option that matches the intended meaning and is grammatically correct.
'Allusions' is both semantically correct and idiomatic with the preposition 'to.'
This completes the selection of the correct option.

Key Concept

Frequently Confused Words
Question 10Question →

The following sentence contains two blanks that require words from the frequently confused pair 'flout' and 'flaunt'. Which word correctly fills each blank to maintain the proper meaning of the sentence?

Fill in the blanks below

Although the rebellious artist chose to the traditional rules of perspective, she did not her unconventional techniques merely to shock the critics.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct words are 'flout' for the first blank and 'flaunt' for the second blank.
The verb 'flout' correctly completes the first blank because the artist is actively disregarding or defying established rules of perspective. The verb 'flaunt' correctly completes the second blank because it refers to the act of ostentatiously displaying or showing off her unconventional techniques.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the context of the first blank to identify the correct word choice.
The first blank describes the artist's action toward the 'traditional rules of perspective.' Since she is defying or disregarding these rules, the correct word is 'flout,' which means to mock or openly disregard a rule or law.
Understanding the semantic requirement of disregarding rules guides the choice of 'flout' over 'flaunt'.
2
Examine the context of the second blank to identify the correct word choice.
The second blank describes the artist not showing off her unconventional techniques to shock critics. The word 'flaunt' means to display ostentatiously or show off.
Understanding the semantic requirement of showing off or displaying ostentatiously guides the choice of 'flaunt' over 'flout'.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between the frequently confused verbs 'flout' (to openly disregard) and 'flaunt' (to display ostentatiously).
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 11Question →

Following a lengthy investigation into the misuse of campaign funds, the committee recommended that the chamber formally censor the representative for her actions.

Which option is the best replacement for the underlined word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: censure

Answer

The word 'censure' is the correct choice because the context refers to formally reprimanding a public official for misconduct.
The word 'censure' means to express severe disapproval or formally reprimand someone, especially in a legislative or official setting. This matches the context of a committee recommending discipline for a representative's actions. The other options are homophones or near-homophones with entirely different meanings.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the intended meaning of the underlined word.
The sentence describes a committee recommending that a legislative chamber formally discipline or reprimand a representative for unethical behavior.
Identifying the contextual meaning helps narrow down the correct word choice among homophones.
2
Compare the definitions of the word choices (censor, censure, censer, sensor) to find the correct fit.
'Censure' means to express severe disapproval or formally reprimand, which matches the context. 'Censor' means to suppress objectionable content, 'censer' is a vessel for incense, and 'sensor' is a detection device.
Matching the correct definition to the context ensures the word choice is semantically accurate.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between frequently confused words (specifically homophones and near-homophones like censor and censure) based on sentence context.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 12Question →

The young eagle spread it's wings and soared high above the canyon walls.

Which choice is the correct spelling for the underlined word in the context of this sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: its

Answer

its
The correct option is 'its' because it is the possessive pronoun that refers to the singular noun 'eagle'. Personal possessive pronouns like 'its' do not contain apostrophes.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence to identify the relation between the young eagle and the wings.
The wings belong to the eagle, so a possessive pronoun is needed.
To determine the required grammatical function of the underlined word.
2
Differentiate between the homophones 'its' and 'it's'.
'It's' is a contraction for 'it is', whereas 'its' is the singular possessive pronoun.
To correct the homophone confusion error.
3
Eliminate incorrect spellings and plural pronouns.
'Its\'' is not a word, and 'their' is plural, which fails to agree with the singular noun 'eagle'.
To verify that only the singular possessive pronoun 'its' fits the context.

Key Concept

Frequently Confused Words: its vs. it's
Estimated Time:45s
Question 13Question →

Fill in the blanks in the sentence below with the correct words from the frequently confused pair 'accept' and 'except'.

Fill in the blanks below

The coordinator explained that the charity can most types of donations, for large furniture items that do not fit in the warehouse.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

accept for the first blank, and except for the second blank
The verb 'accept' means to receive or take, which correctly fits the first blank as it follows the helper verb 'can'. The preposition 'except' means excluding, which correctly fits the second blank to indicate the exclusion of large furniture.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the grammatical role and meaning needed for the first blank.
The word 'accept' is correct.
The sentence requires a verb to follow the auxiliary verb 'can'. The verb 'accept' means to receive or agree to, which fits the context of receiving donations.
2
Analyze the grammatical role and meaning needed for the second blank.
The word 'except' is correct.
The sentence requires a preposition meaning 'excluding' to show that large furniture is excluded from the list of donations. 'Except' serves this function.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between the verb 'accept' (to receive) and the preposition/conjunction 'except' (excluding).
Estimated Time:45s
Question 14Question →

To ensure that all participants are fully prepared for the laboratory safety simulations, a comprehensive instructional briefing must proceed the hands-on exercises.

Which of the following options is the correct word to replace the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: precede

Answer

The correct option is 'precede', which means to come before in time or order.
The correct choice is 'precede'. The context of the sentence dictates that the safety briefing must happen before the hands-on exercises so that participants are prepared. The verb 'precede' specifically means to come before in time, order, or position, making it the logically and semantically correct choice.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the relationship between the 'instructional briefing' and the 'hands-on exercises'.
The sentence states that the briefing ensures participants are prepared *for* the exercises, meaning the briefing must happen *before* the exercises.
Establishing the sequence of events is necessary to choose the correct word.
2
Evaluate the options to find the word that means 'to come before' and fits the grammatical structure of the sentence.
The word 'precede' means to come before in time or order. The original word 'proceed' means to go forward or continue. The word 'succeed' means to follow, and 'exceed' means to go beyond.
Choosing the word with the correct definition ensures the sentence is both grammatically correct and semantically accurate.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between frequently confused words that sound similar but have different meanings and spellings, such as 'precede' and 'proceed'.
Question 15Question →

The following sentence contains two blanks that require words from the frequently confused pair 'discreet' and 'discrete'. Fill in each blank with the correct spelling that matches the context of the sentence.

Fill in the blanks below

The biographer made a effort to avoid sensationalizing the subject's private life, choosing instead to focus the narrative on a series of historical achievements.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The first blank must be filled with 'discreet' and the second blank must be filled with 'discrete'.
The word 'discreet' means cautious, careful, or unobtrusive, which perfectly matches the biographer's effort to avoid sensationalism. The word 'discrete' means separate, distinct, or individual, which describes the distinct historical achievements focused on in the narrative.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the first blank to determine the intended meaning.
The biographer is trying to avoid sensationalism and protect private life, which means being cautious, unobtrusive, or careful about privacy.
The spelling that corresponds to being cautious or respecting privacy is 'discreet'.
2
Analyze the context of the second blank to determine the intended meaning.
The narrative focuses on historical achievements that are separate, distinct, or individual units.
The spelling that corresponds to being separate or distinct is 'discrete'.

Key Concept

Frequently Confused Words (discreet vs. discrete)
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 16Question →

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?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: loose

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)
Question 17Question →

Complete the sentence by filling in the blanks with the correct words from the frequently confused pair 'affect' and 'effect'.

Fill in the blanks below

The sudden change in temperature did not the growth of the bacterial culture, but it had a noticeable on the chemical reaction rate.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

affect, effect
In standard academic writing, 'affect' functions as a verb meaning 'to influence,' whereas 'effect' functions as a noun meaning 'a result.' The first blank requires the base form of a verb to complete the verb phrase 'did not affect,' while the second blank requires a noun to serve as the direct object modified by the adjective 'noticeable.'

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the grammatical role and meaning required for the first blank.
The verb 'affect'
The helper verb 'did not' must be followed by a base verb meaning 'to influence' or 'to act upon', which is the definition of 'affect'.
2
Determine the grammatical role and meaning required for the second blank.
The noun 'effect'
The blank follows the adjective 'noticeable' and requires a noun meaning 'result' or 'consequence', which is the definition of 'effect'.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between the verb 'affect' (to influence) and the noun 'effect' (the result of an influence).
Question 18Question →

The culinary critic noted that the chef’s choice of a tart cranberry reduction perfectly compliments the rich, savory flavors of the roasted duck.

Which choice represents the correct word and form to use in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: complements

Answer

The correct choice is 'complements' because it provides the correct word meaning ('complements' to go well with/complete) and matches the singular subject 'choice.'
The correct option is 'complements' because the sentence requires a verb that means to add to or make perfect, which is 'complement.' Furthermore, because the subject of the clause is the singular noun 'choice' (not the plural 'flavors' or 'reduction'), the verb must be in the singular form 'complements.'

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical and contextual role of the underlined word in the sentence.
The word serves as the main verb of the clause starting with 'that the chef's choice...'
This helps determine whether we need a singular or plural verb, and what part of speech is required.
2
Determine the subject of the verb and check for subject-verb agreement.
The subject is the singular noun 'choice' (not the plural 'flavors' or 'reduction'), meaning the correct verb must be singular.
This eliminates plural options like 'complement' and 'compliment.'
3
Differentiate between the meanings of the remaining homophones.
The verb 'complement' means to enhance or complete, whereas 'compliment' means to express admiration. The context of food pairings requires 'complements.'
This confirms that 'complements' is the correct spelling and word choice.

Key Concept

Frequently Confused Words (complement vs. compliment)
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 19Question →

The school principle, Ms. Lopez, welcomed the new students during the morning assembly.

Which of the following choices is the correct word to use in the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: principal

Answer

principal
The correct answer is 'principal'. In this sentence, the context refers to a person who is the head of a school. The noun 'principal' refers to a school administrator, which is the correct spelling and meaning for this context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the meaning of the underlined word in the sentence's context.
The sentence refers to Ms. Lopez, who is the leading administrator of a school.
Understanding the context helps determine whether the sentence requires a word meaning 'a head of a school' or 'a fundamental rule'.
2
Compare the definitions of the homophones 'principal' and 'principle'.
'Principal' refers to a person of leading importance or a school head. 'Principle' refers to a fundamental truth, rule, or belief.
Choosing between these homophones requires selecting the spelling that matches the intended meaning.
3
Select the option that correctly provides the singular noun 'principal'.
The correct choice is 'principal'.
This spelling correctly identifies the school administrator in the singular form.

Key Concept

Frequently Confused Words (principal vs. principle)
Question 20Question →

Fill in the blanks in the sentence below with the correct words from the frequently confused pair 'principal' and 'principle' to ensure the sentence is grammatically correct and contextually appropriate.

Fill in the blanks below

As the investigator of the deep-sea research expedition, Dr. Vance adhered to the strict of ecological preservation, refusing to disturb the delicate hydrothermal vent systems.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The first blank should be filled with 'principal' (meaning chief or primary), and the second blank should be filled with 'principle' (meaning a fundamental rule or tenet).
In the given context, 'principal' functions as an adjective meaning 'most important, consequential, or influential' (modifying 'investigator'). Meanwhile, 'principle' functions as a noun meaning 'a basic truth, law, or assumption' (referring to the rule of ecological preservation).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the first blank: 'As the {{blank_1}} investigator...'
The word modifies 'investigator' and must mean 'first in rank, chief, or primary'. The correct word for this meaning is 'principal'.
Identify the syntactic role and meaning needed for the first modifier.
2
Analyze the context of the second blank: 'adhered to the strict {{blank_2}} of ecological preservation...'
The word functions as a noun meaning 'a fundamental truth, law, or rule of conduct'. The correct word for this meaning is 'principle'.
Identify the syntactic role and meaning needed for the noun following the adjective 'strict'.

Key Concept

Frequently Confused Words: Principal vs. Principle
Page 1 / 2Next