He was one of my best _______ and I felt his loss _________. A. friend, keenly B. friends, keen C. friend, keener D. friends, keenly

GATE 2017 · General Aptitude · Noun Verb Adjective · medium

Answer: D. friends, keenly

1. Determine noun form for blank 1: 'One of my best ___' requires a plural noun. So 'friends' is correct, not 'friend'. This eliminates A and C.
2. Determine adverb for blank 2: 'I felt his loss ___' — 'felt' is an action verb here, so an adverb is needed. 'Keenly' (adverb) is correct; 'keen' (adjective, option B) cannot modify a verb. This eliminates B.
3. Select the answer: The only option with plural 'friends' AND adverb 'keenly' is option D.