Question

Ontologies are ________ equated with taxonomic hierarchies of classes, class definitions, and ________ subsumption relation, ________ ontologies need not be limited to ________ forms.

• A. often, a, but, such
• B. often, the, yet, such
• C. frequently, a, yet, such
• D. often, a, yet, these
• E. often, the, but, these

Hint:

For sentence completion, look for: 1. Frequency words ({often}, not always “frequently”). 2. Definite vs. indefinite articles (“the subsumption relation” is a fixed concept). 3. Contrast markers Choose “but” when showing exceptions). 4. Pronoun reference (“these forms” links back to earlier nouns).

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

Step 1: First blank.
“Ontologies are ________ equated” — the word must indicate frequency. “Often” is the most natural choice, fitting better than “frequently” in this academic tone.
Step 2: Second blank.
The correct phrase is “the subsumption relation,” because we are pointing to a specific, known relation in ontology. “A subsumption relation” would be less precise.
Step 3: Third blank.
We need a conjunction to contrast. “But” signals contrast perfectly: although ontologies are equated with certain taxonomic structures, they are not confined to them.
Step 4: Fourth blank.
The phrase “these forms” fits, since it refers back to the “taxonomic hierarchies, class definitions, and the subsumption relation.” “Such forms” would also make sense, but “these forms” explicitly points back to the listed elements.
\[ \boxed{\text{often, the, but, these}} \]