Select the option that will improve the underlined part of the given sentence.
Swati came here with the intent of insulting me.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. to insult me
Error concept: Wrong use of preposition and phrase structure
What is wrong: The phrase “with the intent of insulting me” is not the best or grammatically precise form in this context.
Grammatical concept: After intent, the standard construction is intent to + verb (to show purpose). Using of + -ing is less correct in modern usage when expressing purpose.
Incorrectness of the concept in context: The sentence is about Swati’s purpose of coming, so “to insult me” should be used instead of “of insulting me”.
How to correct: Replace of insulting me with to insult me.
Correct phrase/ correction: to insult me
Final sentence: Swati came here with the intent to insult me.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.