Many people would always find reasons to … the law?

Analyze the question

The sentence is "Many people would always find reasons to ....... the law." We need a verb that fits the meaning of finding ways around or avoiding the law.

Explain the concept

Let's check each option:

• Arrogate means to claim or take something without having the right to. You arrogate power or a privilege. It doesn't fit with "the law."
• Debase means to reduce the quality or value of something. People may debase currency or themselves, but "debase the law" doesn't match the idea of finding reasons.
• Circumvent means to find a way around a rule, obstacle, or law, often cleverly or by evading it. "Circumvent the law" is a very common collocation.
• Circumspect is an adjective meaning cautious or careful. It cannot be used as a verb after "to," so it is grammatically wrong here.

Show the solution

The gap needs a verb in base form after "to." That rules out circumspect, an adjective. The meaning of "finding reasons" to deal with the law suggests avoiding or getting around it, which is exactly what circumvent means.

"Many people would always find reasons to circumvent the law."

Identify the answer

The correct option is C. circumvent.

Exam tip

Watch out for look-alike words. Circumvent (verb: go around) and circumspect (adjective: cautious) both start with "circum-", which comes from Latin for "around." Remember that "vent" is like "go/come" (as in prevent, event), so circumvent means to go around. Always check the part of speech the gap requires.