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Difficulty: MediumAdjectives, Adverbs, and Modifiers

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the grammatically correct modifier.

Answer:During the prolonged drought, clean drinking water became so 【scarce】 that the municipal authority had to introduce strict rationing measures.

Answer

The correct modifier to fill in the blank is 'scarce'.
The word 'scarce' is an adjective that functions as a subject complement following the linking verb 'became'. It correctly describes the condition of the subject 'clean drinking water'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the verb governing the predicate complement in the sentence.
The verb is 'became', which is a linking verb (copula).
Linking verbs connect the subject to a subject complement rather than showing physical or mental action.
2
Determine whether an adjective or an adverb is required following the linking verb.
An adjective is required to modify the noun subject 'clean drinking water'.
Subject complements following linking verbs must be adjectives, not adverbs.
3
Select the correct adjective form.
'Scarce' is the adjective form meaning insufficient for demand.
Using the adverb form 'scarcely' after a linking verb is grammatically incorrect because adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, whereas linking verbs require an adjective complement.

Key Concept

Adjective vs. Adverb Usage with Linking Verbs
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Adjectives, Adverbs, and Modifiers

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