Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
During our recent visit to Delhi during the COVID lockdown, we were shocked to find that the railway station was _________ crowded.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. heavily.
Context:
The sentence describes an unexpected situation during the COVID lockdown: the railway station being crowded.
Meaning of the word "heavily":
- "Heavily" means to a great degree or with large numbers or volume.
- It intensifies conditions like traffic, rainfall, or in this case, a crowd.
Reason:
- “Heavily crowded” correctly conveys that the station had a large number of people, despite lockdown restrictions.
- “Generally” implies a typical or usual occurrence, which contradicts the surprise factor.
- “Vehemently” expresses intensity of emotion or opposition, not appropriate with “crowded.”
- “Surprisingly” already overlaps with “shocked” and would sound redundant or awkward.
Final Sentence:
During our recent visit to Delhi during the COVID lockdown, we were shocked to find that the railway station was heavily crowded.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.