The following question contains a sentence with a blank. Choose the most…

Concept

In a sentence-completion task, the blank must be filled by the word whose meaning fits the logical relationship the sentence expresses. When an authority such as a regulator acts so that a desirable practice actually happens, the verb required is one of compelling or ensuring compliance — a word with a positive, upholding sense, not one that weakens, abandons, or breaks the practice.

Application

The sentence says the new regulations aim to ____ fair competition. Regulations are rules designed to make a good practice take effect and be observed. Reading the completed sentence, “The new regulations aim to enforce fair competition among all market participants” states that the rules will compel and uphold fair competition — exactly the intended, logical meaning. “Enforce” collocates naturally with “regulations,” “rules,” and “laws.”

Contrast

• infringe — means to violate or breach a rule or right; regulations would not aim to break the very fairness they create.

• relinquish — means to give up or surrender something; this contradicts the purpose of introducing regulations.

• constrain — means to restrict or limit; it casts competition as something to be held back rather than upheld.

• fragment — means to break into pieces; it implies damaging competition rather than securing it.

Result

The verb that gives the sentence its intended, logical meaning is enforce.