(a) Given the nature of the problem
(b) it was not unnatural for there to be
(c) bad blood among the two of them.
(d) No error
Error Analysis: Bad Blood Among the Two
This question focuses on identifying grammatical errors within a given sentence. We need to carefully examine each underlined part to determine if there's a mistake in usage, particularly focusing on idioms and preposition rules.
The sentence provided is: "Given the nature of the problem it was not unnatural for there to be bad blood among the two of them."
Statement Breakdown:
- (a) Given the nature of the problem: This phrase serves as an introductory clause, setting the context for the rest of the sentence. It is grammatically correct and clearly states the reason for the subsequent situation.
- (b) it was not unnatural for there to be: This part uses a double negative ("not unnatural"), which logically means "natural" or "expected". This construction is acceptable in English and fits the context, implying that the situation described was unsurprising given the circumstances.
- (c) bad blood among the two of them.: This section contains the potential error. The phrase "bad blood" refers to ill feelings or enmity between people. The key issue here is the use of the preposition "among" when referring to "the two of them".
Grammar Focus: Preposition Usage ('Among' vs. 'Between')
The error in part (c) stems from the incorrect application of the preposition "among". Here's a clarification:
- Among: This preposition is typically used when referring to three or more people, items, or groups. It implies being part of a collective or group where the individuals are not distinctly considered. Example: "The inheritance was divided among the five siblings."
- Between: This preposition is used when referring to only two distinct people, items, or groups. It highlights a relationship or distinction involving exactly two entities. Example: "A dispute arose between the two neighbours."
In the given sentence, the phrase explicitly mentions "the two of them". Therefore, the correct preposition to indicate the relationship or ill feeling between these two individuals should be "between", not "among".
Identifying the Error:
The phrase "bad blood" is correctly used to denote negative feelings. However, its association with "among the two of them" is grammatically incorrect. The correct preposition should be used to denote the relationship specifically between two parties.
Thus, the error lies in part (c) of the sentence.
Important Questions from Error Spotting
Direction: Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c) Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
A honest mistake (a) / is no more than that; (b) / just an honest mistake. (c) / No error (d)Direction: Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c) Read each sentence to determine whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
A company of five thousand soldiers , (a) / having marched tirelessly for over five days , (b) / have just moved into their cantonment . (c) / No error (d)Direction: Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c) Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
Every person who believes in principles (a) / must stand up to fight (b) / for their convictions . (c) / No error (d)Direction: Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c) Read each sentence to determine whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
The Olympic Games reflects(a) / the highest spirit of (b) / human endeavour and achievement . (c) / No error (d)Direction: Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c) Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
The principal of the school (a) / stressed the need for discipline (b) / amongst the students. (c) / No error (d)
