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GATE 2021 ME (ME1) – Question 1

General Aptitude · Verbal Aptitude: Grammar and Vocabulary · 1 mark · Multiple choice

Consider the following sentences: (i) After his surgery, Raja hardly could walk. (ii) After his surgery, Raja could barely walk. (iii) After his surgery, Raja barely could walk. (iv) After his surgery, Raja could hardly walk. Which of the above sentences are grammatically CORRECT?

  1. (i) and (ii)
  2. (i) and (iii)
  3. (iii) and (iv)
  4. (ii) and (iv)

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Correct answer: (D) (ii) and (iv)

Explanation

In the intended neutral word order, hardly and barely follow the modal auxiliary “could” and precede “walk.” Thus “could barely walk” and “could hardly walk” both express severe difficulty walking.

The expected pair is **(ii),(iv), D**. Marked emphasis can permit other adverb positions in natural English, but D matches the conventional grammar tested here.