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Question

Directions : In the following items, a pair of sentences are given in which the keywords have been underlined. Identify the sentence/s in which the underlined words have been used correctly in the context and mark your choice using the code that follows:

1. Among those who had applied for the job I found four candidates to be outstanding.
2. Amidst the confusion caused by the melee, the perpetrators slipped away.

This question was previously asked in
CDS 2 2024 Maths Question Paper (01-Sep-2024)
The correct answer is
Both 1 and 2

Understanding Sentence Correctness: 'Among' vs. 'Amidst'

This question requires us to evaluate the correct usage of the words 'among' and 'amidst' within the given sentences. Let's break down the meaning and application of each word to determine the accuracy of their use.

Analyzing Sentence 1: Usage of 'Among'

Sentence: Among those who had applied for the job I found four candidates to be outstanding.

The word 'among' is typically used when referring to items or people that are part of a larger group, collection, or crowd, usually involving three or more entities. In this sentence:

  • 'Among' correctly introduces the group 'those who had applied for the job'.
  • It signifies that the four outstanding candidates were selected from this larger pool of applicants.
  • The structure and context are appropriate for the use of 'among'.

Therefore, the usage of 'among' in sentence 1 is correct.

Analyzing Sentence 2: Usage of 'Amidst'

Sentence: Amidst the confusion caused by the melee, the perpetrators slipped away.

The word 'amidst' (or its shorter form 'amid') means 'in the middle of' or 'surrounded by'. It is often used to describe being in a situation or environment characterized by something, often something complex or overwhelming.

  • In this sentence, 'amidst' is used to describe the situation ('the confusion caused by the melee') in which the action ('the perpetrators slipped away') occurred.
  • It correctly conveys that the perpetrators escaped while confusion was prevalent.
  • The usage fits the context of being surrounded by or in the midst of a chaotic situation.

Thus, the usage of 'amidst' in sentence 2 is also correct.

Conclusion on Sentence Usage

Based on the analysis of both sentences:

  • Sentence 1 correctly uses 'among' to denote selection from a group.
  • Sentence 2 correctly uses 'amidst' to describe the context of an action occurring within a confusing situation.

Since both sentences demonstrate accurate usage of the underlined words, the choice that includes both sentences is the correct one.

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Important Questions from Error Spotting

  1. The following question has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response against the corresponding letter i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).

    It is identification with the audience(a)that makes one come home from the play so much more(b)satisfied than one ever is after merely passive enjoyment of the show.(c) No error.(d)

  2. The following question has a sentence with four parts labelled (a), (b), (c), and (d). Read each sentence to find out whether there is an error in any part and indicate your response against the corresponding letter i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).

    CV Raman was one of the greatest sons of India (a) who has earned everlasting fame (b) for scientific researches. (c) No error. (d)

  3. The following question has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response against the corresponding letter i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).

    This box(a)is heavy than(b) the other one.(c) No error. (d)

  4. The following question has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response against the corresponding letter i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).

    Thewriter does not have the freedom (a) to choose his own themes, (b) society thrusts them on him (c) No error. (d)

  5. The following question has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to find out whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response against the corresponding letter i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).

    No one knows (a) why he did it, (b) or who was behind his doing it.(c) No error. (d)

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