(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.
Similar Questions
Either my brothers / or my friend / are coming to receive me at the airport. / No error.
(a) (b) (c) (d)Today she was an accomplished / singer because she had trained / under an acclaimed guru in her youth. / No error.
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Important Questions from Error Spotting
The following sentence has been split into four segments. Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error.
Fortunately, / the fire did not / caused much damage / to the building.
The following sentence has been divided into parts. One of them may contain an error. Select the part that contains the error from the given options. If you don’t find any error, mark ‘No error’ as your answer.
Neither of them have / any experience / in software development.
The following sentence has been split into four segments. Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error.
Each of the students were / present for / the valedictory session / that night.
From the given options, identify the segment in the sentence which contains the grammatical error.
If you prepare well, you wouldn't have failed the exam.
Directions: Identify the segment in the sentence which contains grammatical error from the given options.
Thunderstorms develop in hot, humid tropical areas like India much to frequently.
