Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. The discipline committee of the college pondered the matter for two hours but did not take any decision.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. talked over the matter.
Error Concept: Related to the use of phrasal verbs.
What is wrong: The phrase “pondered the matter” is grammatically correct, but in standard English usage, the more appropriate expression in this context is “talked over the matter,” which means to discuss something carefully.
Grammar Concept: Phrasal verbs often replace single verbs to express a more natural or idiomatic meaning. “Ponder” means to think deeply, while “talk over” means to discuss collectively, which fits the context of a committee.
Incorrectness of the concept in context: Since a committee is involved, the idea is not individual deep thinking but collective discussion. Hence, “pondered” is less accurate than “talked over.”
Correction: Thus, “pondered the matter” should be replaced with “talked over the matter.”
Corrected phrase: talked over the matter
Final Sentence: The discipline committee of the college talked over the matter for two hours but did not take any decision.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.