Question

A) NO CHANGE B) gathered up C) collected up D) gathered

Short answer

Without the context of the complete sentence, it is not possible to accurately choose the best fit among the given options. However, "gathered up" and "collected up" may convey a sense of redundancy and could be considered awkward. The choice between "gathered" and "NO CHANGE" would depend on the context of the sentence and the nature of the action described in it.

Step-by-step solution

Consider the word choice and meaning

Review the options given - A) NO CHANGE, B) gathered up, C) collected up, D) gathered - and try to understand the meaning and usage of each. A) NO CHANGE: This means that the original word might be the most appropriate choice in the sentence. It is neither redundant, too informal or awkward. B) gathered up: This option implies that there is a process of bringing things together, possibly in a physical manner. This includes actions like picking up items from the ground, or assembling things into one place. C) collected up: It is similar in meaning to "gathered up," indicating a process of bringing things together. However, "collected up" could also mean that objects or information have been obtained from various sources and organized. D) gathered: Like gathered up, "gathered" refers to the action of bringing things together into a single group or location. It may imply a more general or abstract idea of assembling rather than physically picking up things.

Determine the most appropriate choice

Without the full context of the sentence, it is not possible to accurately choose the best fit among the options. However, we can note that both "gathered up" and "collected up" may convey a sense of redundancy with "up" and could be considered awkward. Between "gathered" and "NO CHANGE," it would be necessary to consider the context of the sentence to make a clear choice. If the context of the sentence were provided, the choice would depend on whether the action at hand was more physical or involved assembling items or information in a more figurative way.