Which one? "objectionable", "offensive"

[guest]

Ok, I come across with this multiple choice question today--

He had an ____ habit of emptying ash trays out of his upstairs window on to our doorstep.

A. objectionable B. offensive C. uneducated D. offending

and I'm totally bewildered, as far as I'm concerned, I think anwer A , B and D all fit the sentence.

Please help me with the correct one. Thanks!!!

[Alan]

Hi,

A good choice! I believe objectionable is the best adjective here because it refers to a physical action rather than a verbal action - in other words people object to what he does rather than what he says. Offensive and to a lesser extent offending often refer to use of a particular language or word. Uneducated is too generalised a word to use here because although it might apply in this case could also refer to many other actions.

Hope this helps

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Passive Voice

[Eve]

Wow, thanks so much for the quick response and the explicit explanation! I can't believe that I just found out this wonderful site today after so many years of English learning. You site is extremely helpful and you are an extremely nice team! You are definitely the best! Thank you, my teacher!

[Alan]

Hi Eve,

Thank you for your lovely comments!

Keep sending them because we love praise and encouragement.

Alan
_________________
English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story New year resolutions