Question

Choose the sentence that uses the word 'apprise' correctly:

• A. The problem is obviously one of deciding how to apprise the evidence presented here.
• B. They should have taken the time to apprise the changing political scenario
• C. Let's apprise the advantages of air travel.
• D. The assistant will apprise the director of the situation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To determine which sentence uses the word 'apprise' correctly, let's first understand the meaning and standard usage of the word 'apprise'. The word 'apprise' means to inform or notify someone about something. Therefore, it is used when someone is being made aware of information or a situation, generally about something ongoing or about to happen.

Now, let's evaluate each option:

1. The sentence: "The problem is obviously one of deciding how to apprise the evidence presented here."
   This indicates considering or assessing evidence, which is incorrect use of 'apprise'. The word needed here might be 'appraise', which means to evaluate or assess. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
2. The sentence: "They should have taken the time to apprise the changing political scenario."
   This implies informing or notifying someone about the political scenario, but the sentence structure suggests they need to evaluate or understand the scenario. Using 'apprise' here seems unusual, as no recipient of information is suggested. The appropriate use might involve 'appraise' again unless there's a clear subject who is to be informed. This option is incorrect.
3. The sentence: "Let's apprise the advantages of air travel."
   This appears to attempt to 'evaluate' the advantages, but using 'apprise', it fails as no recipient is being informed about these advantages. Again, 'appraise' would fit the intent better. Thus, this option is incorrect.
4. The sentence: "The assistant will apprise the director of the situation."
   This sentence correctly uses 'apprise' as it involves the assistant informing the director about a specific situation. The structure clearly states who is informing whom, thereby being grammatically and semantically correct.

Therefore, the correct answer is: "The assistant will apprise the director of the situation." This sentence accurately uses 'apprise' to convey the act of informing someone.