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    Question

    In the following question, a sentence is given with certain words marked as (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E). Choose the option with the pair(s) of words that need to be interchanged to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct. If no change is required, mark 'No change required' as your answer

    These crises are straining(A) by several factors which

    are exacerbated(B) the demand(C) for water use for agricultural(D) , municipal, industrial and livestock purposes(E).
    A Only C-D Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B Both C-D and A-E Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C Only A-B Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D Only B-C Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E No change required Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    The present participle verb 'straining' (make severe or excessive demands on) doesn't fit in the first position as the preposition 'by' makes the sentence passive So, a past participle verb should be used after the auxiliary verb 'are'. The verb 'exacerbated' (make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse) fits perfectly in the first position. So, A and B should be interchanged. The verb in the second position should be in active voice as the noun after the definite article 'the' is the object of the participle verb. So, the present participle verb fits perfectly in the second position. Hence, option (c) is the correct answer. The correct sentence is: These crises are exacerbated by several factors which are straining the demand for water use for agricultural , municipal, industrial and livestock purposes.

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