All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Directions: 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 on response the answer as (d). sh

(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

This question was previously asked in
CDS 2 2025 Maths Question Paper (14-Sep-2025)
The correct answer is
bad blood among the two of them.

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.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. (a) The tumult among the gathered spectators
    (b) rose to a crescendo
    (c) upon the arrival of their most favourite superstar.
    (d) No error

  2. a. I hate it 

    b. when I break 

    c. in hives

    d. No error

  3. a. Everything 

    b. what happened 

    c. was because of my actions

    d. No error

  4. a. Since he was going to live in South Korea for some time, 

    b. he thought he should 

    c. learn something about their culture.

    d. No error

  5. a. I am owning

    b. two houses

    c. in Bengaluru

    d. No error 

  6. a. A boy was injured

    b. in the accident and was taken

    c. onto hospital.

    d. No error 

  7. a. Mr. Malhotra is a historian 

    b. who's books

    c. have won international acclaim

    d. No error 

  8. a. Either Vikas 

    b. or his friends 

    c. is going to cook dinner. 

    d. No error

  9. 1. The issue of human rights is immanent in the constitution of most countries.
    2. They invited an imminent person as the chief guest for the event.
  10. 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.


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)

Need Expert Advice?
Test Series
CDS img
Defence
UPSC CDS 2026 Mock Test Series
536 Tests 4 Tests Free
1647 Attempts
4.3(174)
English, Hindi
More Questions from CDS

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App