Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 100%

Select the best version of the underlined part of the sentence. If you think the original sentence is best, choose the first answer.

Our offices are located in an old building on the outskirts of campus that was formerly, a tavern.

Rationale

Formerly is the best choice to indicate that the building had a previous use as a tavern.

The term "formerly" is an adverb that correctly conveys that the building was used as a tavern in the past. This choice accurately reflects the intended meaning of the sentence regarding the building's history.

A (formerly) CORRECT

This option correctly indicates that the tavern use of the building occurred in the past. It provides the necessary context for understanding that the building's current function is different from its previous role, making it the best choice for this sentence.

B (formally) YOUR ANSWER

"Formally" refers to something done in accordance with established forms or conventions, which does not fit the context of describing the building's past use. This choice would mislead the reader by suggesting a sense of official status rather than a change in function.

C (formidably) YOUR ANSWER

"Formidably" means in a way that inspires fear or respect through being impressively powerful. This choice is irrelevant to the context of the sentence, as it does not provide any information about the building's previous use, making it unsuitable for this context.

D (formality) YOUR ANSWER

"Formality" refers to the rigid observance of rules or conventions, which does not relate to the historical use of the building. This option fails to address the core meaning of the sentence, rendering it ineffective in conveying the intended information.

Conclusion

The correct choice, "formerly," effectively communicates that the building had a past identity as a tavern. The other options either misinterpret the intended meaning or are irrelevant to the context, thus failing to serve the sentence's purpose. Understanding the nuances of these terms is crucial for effective communication, especially in describing changes over time.