The correct option to fill the gap in the sentence "I am afraid you cannot use this telephone; it is ...." is
A. out of order.
Explanation of the Correct Answer
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Understanding the Phrase: The phrase "out of order" is a common English expression used to indicate that something is not functioning properly or is broken. In the context of a telephone, if it is "out of order," it means that the telephone cannot be used because it is not working.
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Contextual Clarity: The sentence implies that the speaker is informing someone that they cannot use the telephone. The phrase "out of order" directly communicates that the telephone is not operational, which is the intended meaning in this context.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
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B. in order: This phrase means that something is functioning correctly or is organized. If the telephone were "in order," it would imply that it is working properly, which contradicts the context of the sentence where the speaker is saying it cannot be used.
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C. for order: This phrase is not commonly used in English and does not convey any meaning related to the functionality of the telephone. It suggests a context of ordering something rather than the state of the telephone itself.
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D. at order: This phrase is also not standard in English. It does not convey any relevant meaning regarding the functionality of the telephone. It sounds awkward and does not fit the context of the sentence.
Summary of Key Points
- The correct answer is A. out of order because it accurately describes a non-functional telephone.
- "In order" suggests functionality, which contradicts the sentence's meaning.
- "For order" and "at order" are not standard phrases and do not apply to the context of the telephone's functionality.
- Understanding common phrases and their meanings is crucial for selecting the correct option in fill-in-the-blank questions.
Revision Summary
- Correct Option: A. out of order (indicates a non-functional state).
- Incorrect Options: B. in order (implies functionality), C. for order (not relevant), D. at order (not standard).
- Key Phrase: "Out of order" is a common expression used to describe broken or non-functional items.
- Context Matters: Always consider the context of the sentence when choosing the best option.