Question

During the early period of ocean navigation ________ any need for sophisticated instruments and techniques.
(a) so that hardly
(b) where these hardly was
(c)hardly was
(d) there was hardly

Answer 1

I think the answer is D) there was hardly

Answer 2

During the early period of ocean navigation, there was hardly any need for sophisticated instruments and techniques (Option d)

• The term 'hardly' is an example of an adverb. It is used in a negative connotation.
• It is used in combination with the word 'any' as in the given sentence.
• It denotes the idea that during ancient times of ocean navigation, instruments and techniques were not required.
• So, the grammatically correct fit in the blank will be 'there was hardly any need.'