Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.
The company plans to expand its business to the international market.
Correct Answer :
to increase
Solution :
The correct answer is to increase.
Explanation:
In the given sentence, the phrase to expand means to make something larger in size, scale, or scope. The option to increase also means to make something greater in amount, size, or degree. Therefore, "to increase" is the most appropriate synonym and exact substitute for "to expand" in this context.
Analysis of other options:
• to reduce: Means to make smaller or lessen in size or amount, which is antonymous to expand.
• to contract: Means to shrink or decrease in size, which is also opposite in meaning to expand.
• to limit: Means to keep within bounds or set a restriction, which contradicts the idea of business expansion.
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