Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. Determine the collocation through the sentence.
When the commander gives an order, _________ obedience is expected of the soldiers.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. instant.
Context: The sentence talks about soldiers following a command immediately. The word to fill should express immediate or prompt action, fitting the collocation “instant obedience.”
Meaning of the words:
Suddenly: means happening quickly or unexpectedly, but not used with “obedience.”
Instant: means immediate or without delay.
Fastly: is incorrect English; the correct adverb form is “fast.”
Hurry: means to move quickly, but doesn’t fit grammatically here.
Correct word: Instant
Reason: “Instant obedience” is the correct and natural collocation in English, meaning soldiers must obey without delay. Other options either don’t fit grammatically or don’t collocate with “obedience.”
Final Sentence: When the commander gives an order, instant obedience is expected of the soldiers.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.