Choose the correct alternative to fill in the blank.
fallen out
Understanding Phrasal Verbs in English Grammar
The question asks us to choose the correct phrasal verb to complete the sentence: "I have come to know that the two brothers have _______." Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and an adverb or a preposition, or sometimes both, to create a new meaning.
Let's examine the meaning of each option provided in the context of the sentence about two brothers:
- fallen through: This phrasal verb typically means to fail or not happen. For example, "The plans for the picnic fell through because of the rain." This meaning doesn't fit the context of a relationship between two brothers.
- fallen out: This phrasal verb means to quarrel or argue. For example, "The friends fell out over a trivial matter." This meaning fits perfectly in the context of two brothers having a disagreement or argument, leading to a strained relationship.
- fallen for: This phrasal verb can mean to be deceived or tricked by someone or something (e.g., "He fell for the scam") or to fall in love with someone (e.g., "She fell for him the moment they met"). Neither of these meanings fits the context of two brothers.
- fallen short: This phrasal verb means to fail to reach an expected or required standard or level. For example, "The team's performance fell short of expectations." This meaning is related to performance or standards, not relationships between people.
The sentence implies that something negative or significant has happened between the two brothers. The phrasal verb that best describes brothers having a disagreement or argument is "fallen out". Therefore, "fallen out" is the most appropriate choice to complete the sentence.
When we say "the two brothers have fallen out," it means they have had a quarrel or argument and are now not on good terms.
Analyzing the Options for "fallen out"
Based on the analysis of each phrasal verb's meaning:
| Option | Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Fits Sentence? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | fallen through | To fail or not happen | No |
| 2 | fallen out | To quarrel or argue | Yes |
| 3 | fallen for | To be deceived or fall in love | No |
| 4 | fallen short | To fail to meet a standard | No |
The context "I have come to know that the two brothers have..." requires a phrasal verb that describes a situation or state resulting from an interaction between them. "Fallen out" precisely conveys the idea of a conflict or disagreement between the brothers.
Conclusion: Filling the Blank with the Correct Phrasal Verb
Considering the meanings of the given phrasal verbs, only "fallen out" logically completes the sentence, indicating that the brothers have had a quarrel.
The completed sentence is: "I have come to know that the two brothers have fallen out."
Revision Table: Key Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| fall through | To fail, not happen | Our holiday plans fell through. |
| fall out | To quarrel or argue | They fell out over who should pay. |
| fall for | To be tricked; to fall in love | He fell for her charming smile. |
| fall short | To not meet expectations | The fundraising fell short of the target. |
Additional Information on Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are common in English and can sometimes be tricky because their meaning is often different from the individual words that make them up. They consist of:
- Verb + Preposition (e.g., look after)
- Verb + Adverb (e.g., break down)
- Verb + Adverb + Preposition (e.g., look forward to)
Understanding the context of a sentence is crucial for choosing the correct phrasal verb. Paying attention to the surrounding words and the overall meaning helps determine which phrasal verb fits best.
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