The correct option to complete the sentence "It was a long poem but he learnt it ...." is
C. by heart.
Explanation of the Correct Answer:
- Understanding the Phrase "By Heart":
- The expression "by heart" means to memorize something completely so that it can be recalled without any prompts. When someone learns something "by heart," they have committed it to memory in such a way that they can recite it accurately and fluently.
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In the context of the sentence, saying "he learnt it by heart" indicates that despite the poem being long, he was able to memorize it thoroughly.
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Contextual Fit:
- The sentence implies a sense of achievement in memorizing a long poem. "By heart" is the most appropriate phrase to convey this idea of complete memorization.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
- A. off head:
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The phrase "off head" is not a standard English expression. The correct phrase is "off the top of my head," which means to recall information without preparation or thought. This does not convey the idea of memorization but rather spontaneous recall, making it unsuitable for the context of learning a long poem.
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B. in memory:
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While "in memory" suggests that something is remembered, it does not imply the active process of memorization. It is more passive and does not convey the same level of commitment to memorization as "by heart." Therefore, it does not fit the context of having learned the poem.
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D. at heart:
- The phrase "at heart" refers to someone's true feelings or character. It does not relate to memorization or learning. Using "at heart" in this context would be nonsensical, as it does not address the act of learning a poem.
Summary of Key Points:
- The correct answer is C. by heart, which means to memorize something completely.
- "By heart" conveys a sense of achievement in memorization, fitting the context of the sentence.
- The other options do not accurately reflect the idea of memorization or are not standard expressions in English.
- Understanding idiomatic expressions is crucial for selecting the correct option in language-related questions.
By focusing on the meanings and contexts of these phrases, you can better understand how to choose the right expressions in similar questions.