Question

Part of this sentence given below has been underlined. You have to select the option that best replaces the underlined part.

The management can still hire freely but cannot scold freely.
 

• A. cannot scold at will
• B. cannot give umbrage
• C. cannot take decisions to scold
• D. cannot scold willfully

Hint:

When describing limitations on authority or actions, "at will" is often the best phrase to indicate complete freedom of action. Use it to convey restrictions on decision-making or behavior.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The sentence contrasts the freedom the management has to hire with the restrictions placed on their ability to scold. The phrase "cannot scold freely" suggests a limit to their authority in this specific regard, making the correct answer one that indicates restricted control over scolding.

Option (A), cannot scold at will, is the best choice. "At will" implies complete freedom or discretion. Thus, "cannot scold at will" directly conveys that scolding is not an unrestricted action, fitting perfectly with the sentence's context.

Option (B), cannot give umbrage, is incorrect. "Umbrage" means offense or resentment, and this option uses it in a way that doesn't make sense within the context of management actions, especially when discussing scolding.

Option (C), cannot take decisions to scold, is not suitable because it suggests that the management cannot make decisions about scolding, which doesn't match the idea of restricted authority as well as "at will" does.

Option (D), cannot scold willfully, is also incorrect. "Willfully" implies intentionality or deliberate action, but the sentence requires a phrase indicating that scolding is limited, not simply deliberate.

Thus, option (A) is the correct choice.