In the sentence below, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D…

Analyze the question

The underlined word is "accidentally" (the underline isn't shown in your text, but the sentence makes it clear). You need a word that:

1. is most nearly opposite in meaning to "accidentally", and
2. fits the gap grammatically and logically: "he broke the glass accidentally and not ....."

Explain the concept

"Accidentally" means by chance, without intending to do it. Its antonym is a word meaning on purpose or with intent. This is a type of question that tests both antonyms and sentence fit.

Solve step by step

• A. forcefully means with force or strength. It is not the opposite of accidental, since an accident can also involve force.
• B. directly means straight or without delay. It has no link to intention.
• C. carefully means with care. It is related to accidents, but its opposite is "carelessly", not "accidentally". Someone can be careful and still break something by accident.
• D. deliberately means on purpose, with intention. It is the true opposite of "accidentally".

Check the sentence: "I can vouch that he broke the glass accidentally and not deliberately." This is logical and grammatical. It is exactly what someone vouching for another person would say.

Answer: D. deliberately

Tip: In "opposite and fills the gap" questions, first pin down the core idea of the underlined word. Here it is intention: accidental means not intended, so the opposite is intended (deliberate, purposely, intentionally). Then test the word in the sentence. Don't be distracted by words that merely sound related, like "carefully".