I understand that the problem has been resolved, but I really …………………… think you should have reported it before today.

I understand that the problem has been resolved, but I really …………………… think you should have reported it before today.

• might
• must
• do
• can

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English for IT 1 Course Final Exam Answers

The correct answer is “do.”

Explanation:

In the sentence, “I understand that the problem has been resolved, but I really …………………… think you should have reported it before today,” the speaker is emphasizing the importance or necessity of reporting the issue earlier. The blank requires a word that strengthens the verb “think,” indicating the speaker’s strong feelings about the situation.

Why “do” is correct:

1. Emphasis: The auxiliary verb “do” is often used in English to add emphasis to a statement. In this context, “I really do think” emphasizes the speaker’s conviction or certainty about their belief. It adds weight to the statement, making it clear that the speaker strongly believes the problem should have been reported sooner.
   • Example: “I do agree with your point.” (Strong agreement)
   • Without “do”: “I agree with your point.” (Neutral agreement)
2. Grammatical fit: The structure of the sentence requires a verb form that fits with the main verb “think.” The other options (might, must, can) change the meaning or don’t fit as naturally into this context.

Why the other options are incorrect:

• Might:
  • Meaning: “Might” implies possibility or uncertainty.
  • Incorrect: In this sentence, the speaker is not expressing doubt or possibility but rather strong emphasis on their belief. “I really might think” is grammatically awkward and changes the intended meaning.
• Must:
  • Meaning: “Must” indicates obligation, necessity, or a strong assumption.
  • Incorrect: “I really must think” changes the meaning to focus on the speaker’s need or obligation to think, rather than emphasizing their belief about the situation.
• Can:
  • Meaning: “Can” implies ability or permission.
  • Incorrect: “I really can think” suggests the speaker is highlighting their capability to think, which is irrelevant in this context.

Expanded Explanation:

Emphasis with “do”:

Using “do” for emphasis is common in English, especially in situations where the speaker feels strongly about their statement. Here, “I really do think” conveys the speaker’s conviction that the problem should have been reported earlier. It suggests that the speaker believes this reporting delay was a significant oversight.

Examples of similar constructions:

1. “I really do believe you should apologize.”
2. “I do hope you understand my point.”

Contextual Analysis:

The sentence provides two key pieces of information:

1. The problem has already been resolved, which is a positive outcome.
2. Despite this, the speaker feels it is important to highlight the delay in reporting, emphasizing a missed opportunity for earlier action.

By using “do,” the speaker is not only making a statement about their belief but also implicitly criticizing the delay in reporting, suggesting it could have been avoided.

Tone and Implication:

The use of “do” softens the critique slightly by focusing on the speaker’s perspective rather than directly accusing the other person of wrongdoing. It makes the statement more about what the speaker believes rather than outright blame.

• Without “do”: “I think you should have reported it before today.” (Neutral statement, less emotional weight)
• With “do”: “I really do think you should have reported it before today.” (Stronger emphasis, more personal conviction)

Practical Examples:

1. Imagine a manager speaking to an employee about a delayed report:
   • “I really do think you should have mentioned this issue earlier.” (Emphasizes the importance of proactive communication)
2. A parent talking to their child about a missed opportunity:
   • “I really do believe you should have started your homework sooner.” (Strongly expresses regret over the delay)

Related Grammar Rules:

• Do for emphasis: In affirmative sentences, “do” is used to add emphasis, particularly in formal or emotional contexts.
  • Example: “I do want to attend the meeting.” (Emphasizes desire)
• Placement of “do”: It appears before the main verb in the present simple tense and is followed by the base form of the verb.
  • Incorrect: “I do thinking.” (Incorrect because “thinking” is not the base form)
  • Correct: “I do think.”

Conclusion:

The sentence, “I understand that the problem has been resolved, but I really do think you should have reported it before today,” uses “do” to emphasize the speaker’s belief about the importance of timely reporting. This choice of wording strengthens the statement, aligning with the speaker’s intention to express a strong conviction.