In the given question, an incomplete statement (Stem) followed by fillers is…
2025
In the given question, an incomplete statement (Stem) followed by fillers is given. Pick out the best one which can complete the incomplete stem correctly and meaningfully.
The lawyer’s efforts in our behalf were in paltry;
- A.
we could see a ray of hope in our case
- B.
they didn’t add up to anything
- C.
we were really grateful to him
- D.
they would help to turn about the case in our favor
Attempted by 10 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation:
The adjective paltry means meager, trivial, or insufficient. It indicates that the efforts were worthless or produced no meaningful result.
Why the correct completion fits:
The phrase "they didn’t add up to anything" directly conveys that the efforts were ineffective and produced no result, which matches the meaning of "paltry."
The other completions either imply a positive outcome (for example, seeing a ray of hope or turning the case in our favor) or express gratitude; all of these contradict the sense of insufficiency conveyed by "paltry."
Therefore the best completion is: "they didn’t add up to anything."