In this article, we will explore the grammar behind the question: ‘Last week, the public library reopened at the nearby station in a space more than double its original size, well ( ) the $23.5 million investment.’ Why is the correct answer ‘be worth’? Let’s break down the reasoning behind this choice.
Understanding the Phrase Structure
The sentence in question involves describing the value of an investment in relation to the expansion of the library. To correctly complete the sentence, we need to use a phrase that expresses ‘the value of the library’s new size in relation to the money invested’. This requires an adjective or verb that conveys worth or value, such as ‘worth’.
Why ‘be worth’ is the Correct Answer
The key to answering this question lies in understanding the phrase ‘worth the $23.5 million investment’. ‘Worth’ is an adjective that describes the value of something. In this context, the word ‘worth’ is used to indicate that the new size of the library justifies or matches the large sum of money that was spent. The correct structure would be ‘be worth’, which shows that the library’s new space is worth the cost of the investment.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
Let’s review the incorrect options:
- Option 1: ‘be worth’ – This is correct as explained earlier, with ‘worth’ functioning as an adjective indicating value.
- Option 2: ‘worth’ – This would be incomplete without the verb ‘be’. It needs to follow a verb or noun to form a complete phrase.
- Option 3: ‘of worth’ – This is not a common phrase used in this context. ‘Of worth’ would sound awkward and is grammatically incorrect in this sentence structure.
- Option 4: ‘worthy’ – ‘Worthy’ is an adjective used for describing a person or thing deserving of something. It does not fit in this context because we are talking about value in terms of money, not deservingness.
Conclusion: The Correct Usage
The correct answer is ‘be worth’ because it properly conveys the idea that the value of the library’s new space justifies the $23.5 million investment. When speaking about the value of something in monetary terms, ‘be worth’ is the most accurate and grammatically correct choice. Understanding these distinctions in usage will help you make better choices when filling in similar blanks in sentences.
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