Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.
Employers in many developing countries report that a lack of skilled workers is a major and increasing bottleneck for their operations, affected their capacity to innovate.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. affecting their capacity.
The sentence talks about how the lack of skilled workers is a bottleneck (obstacle) that negatively impacts innovation.
The verb form must indicate ongoing influence, so "affecting" is correct.
"Affecting" is the present participle form of "affect," meaning to influence or change something.
Example: The new policy is affecting the company's performance.
Other options are:
Affect: Incorrect because it is the base verb, and we need a participle ("affecting").
Effecting: Incorrect because "effect" means to bring about a change, not just influence.
Effect: Incorrect because "effect" is a noun, not a verb.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.