Select the option that will improve the underlined part of the given sentence.
Arun asks Smita to copy the contents of the document word by word.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. word for word.
Error Concept: Incorrect use of idiomatic expression.
What is wrong: The phrase 'word by word' is not the standard idiomatic expression for exact copying. It is understandable but not commonly accepted in formal or idiomatic English.
Grammar Concept: Idioms and fixed expressions often have specific prepositions or word choices that cannot be substituted without sounding incorrect or unnatural. The correct idiomatic expression for copying something exactly is 'word for word.'
Incorrectness of the concept in context: 'Word by word' may imply a slow reading or learning process, but not the precise duplication of text. Hence, it doesn't fit the context of copying exactly.
Correction: Replace 'word by word' with 'word for word' to correctly convey the meaning of exact replication.
Corrected phrase: word for word
Final sentence: Arun asks Smita to copy the contents of the document word for word.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.