Choose the meaning of the underlined phrase/idiom.
If you study by f its and starts you can never achieve your goal.
- ARegularly
- BEmotionally
- CSeriously
- DInconsistently
Solution & Step-by-step Explanation
Understanding the Idiom 'By Fits and Starts'
The phrase "by fits and starts" is an idiom used to describe something that happens in an irregular or uneven way. It means that an activity is done sporadically, with pauses or interruptions, rather than continuously or consistently.
Analyzing the Sentence Context
The sentence "If you study by fits and starts you can never achieve your goal" uses this idiom to explain a common reason for not reaching a goal. It suggests that studying in an inconsistent manner, with periods of intense effort followed by long breaks, makes it impossible to achieve success.
Evaluating the Options for 'By Fits and Starts'
Let's look at the provided options to find the one that best matches the meaning:
- Regularly: This means doing something consistently, at fixed intervals, or without interruption. This is the opposite of "by fits and starts".
- Emotionally: This relates to feelings and emotions. The idiom "by fits and starts" describes the pattern of an action, not the emotional state behind it.
- Seriously: This implies putting significant effort or thought into something. While studying seriously is important, "by fits and starts" specifically addresses the pattern of studying (irregular), not just the level of seriousness.
- Inconsistently: This means not done regularly or happening without consistency. This perfectly captures the idea of doing something in bursts or spurts, which is the core meaning of "by fits and starts".
Conclusion: The Correct Meaning
Based on the analysis, the idiom "by fits and starts" means to do something Inconsistently. The sentence highlights that inconsistent studying prevents goal achievement.
The phrase "by fits and starts" is an idiom used to describe something that happens in an irregular or uneven way. It means that an activity is done sporadically, with pauses or interruptions, rather than continuously or consistently.
Analyzing the Sentence Context
The sentence "If you study by fits and starts you can never achieve your goal" uses this idiom to explain a common reason for not reaching a goal. It suggests that studying in an inconsistent manner, with periods of intense effort followed by long breaks, makes it impossible to achieve success.
Evaluating the Options for 'By Fits and Starts'
Let's look at the provided options to find the one that best matches the meaning:
- Regularly: This means doing something consistently, at fixed intervals, or without interruption. This is the opposite of "by fits and starts".
- Emotionally: This relates to feelings and emotions. The idiom "by fits and starts" describes the pattern of an action, not the emotional state behind it.
- Seriously: This implies putting significant effort or thought into something. While studying seriously is important, "by fits and starts" specifically addresses the pattern of studying (irregular), not just the level of seriousness.
- Inconsistently: This means not done regularly or happening without consistency. This perfectly captures the idea of doing something in bursts or spurts, which is the core meaning of "by fits and starts".
Conclusion: The Correct Meaning
Based on the analysis, the idiom "by fits and starts" means to do something Inconsistently. The sentence highlights that inconsistent studying prevents goal achievement.