In the question below four words are given in bold. These
four words are may not be in their correct position. The sentence is then followed by options with the correct combination of words that should replace each other in order to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct. Find the correct combination of the words that replace each other.

Authoritarian regimes, in strength ( 1), are static regimes where ( 2) a supreme leader assumes (3) know-it-all power and essence ( 4).

Correct option is C

Correct answer: Option C — Only 1–4

This means only “strength (1)” and “essence (4)” interchange their positions.

Correct sentence after interchanging 1 and 4

“Authoritarian regimes, in essence (1), are static regimes where (2) a supreme leader assumes (3) know-it-all power and strength (4).”

Meanings of the highlighted words (English & Hindi)

1. strength

·       English: Power, force, or ability to exert control.

·       Hindi: शक्ति / ताक़त

·       Example (English): The army demonstrated its strength during the parade.

2. where

·       English: A relative word used to describe a situation or condition.

·       Hindi: जहाँ

·       Example (English): This is a system where rules are strictly enforced.

3. assumes

·       English: Takes on or claims a role, responsibility, or power.

·       Hindi: धारण करता है / ग्रहण करता है

·       Example (English): She assumes full responsibility for the project.

4. essence

·       English: The fundamental or core nature of something.

·       Hindi: मूल तत्व / सार

·       Example (English): Freedom is the essence of democracy.

Why only 1–4 need to be interchanged

Problem in the original sentence

·       “Authoritarian regimes, in strength, are static regimes …”
This is contextually weak and unnatural.

·       The phrase “in strength” does not logically explain the nature of a regime.

After interchanging 1 and 4

·       “Authoritarian regimes, in essence, are static regimes …”
This correctly conveys the fundamental nature of authoritarian regimes.

·       At the end, “know-it-all power and strength” forms a natural and meaningful pair.

So:

·       “in essence” correctly explains the regime’s nature

·       “power and strength” correctly describe what the leader assumes

Why the other highlighted words are already correct

where (2)

·       Correctly introduces a defining clause:
“regimes where a supreme leader …”

·       Grammatically and contextually appropriate

assumes (3)

·       Correct verb to describe a leader taking on power

·       Fits perfectly with “supreme leader”

Why other options fail

Option A — Only 2–3

Swapping where and assumes breaks sentence structure and meaning.

Option B — 1–3 and 2–4

Unnecessary and damaging swaps that disrupt grammar and clarity.

Option D — No correction required

The phrase “in strength” is clearly incorrect in context.

Option E — Only 2–4

Results in “in where” and misplaces “essence,” making the sentence ungrammatical.

Final takeaway

The error is conceptual, not grammatical.
Only replacing “in strength” with “in essence” restores the correct meaning, which is why Option C is the correct answer.