Directions : In the following questions a particular word is provided. Four sentences have been framed, one of which makes use of the word correctly. You are required to select the correct option and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. ‘Amidst’
Amidst all the confusion the thief managed to slink away unnoticed.
Understanding the Correct Usage of 'Amidst'
The question asks us to identify the sentence where the word 'Amidst' is used correctly. Let's analyze the meaning and common uses of 'Amidst' to determine the correct sentence among the given options.
Definition of 'Amidst':
'Amidst' is a preposition. It is often used interchangeably with 'among' or 'amongst'. It typically means:
- In the middle of; surrounded by.
- During (in the course of).
It is often used to refer to being in the middle of a group of people or things, or being in the middle of a situation, condition, or event.
Analyzing Each Sentence Using 'Amidst'
Let's examine each provided sentence to see how 'Amidst' is used and if that usage is grammatically correct and natural.
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Option 1: "Amidst them who do you think is better"
This sentence uses 'Amidst' with the pronoun 'them' referring to a group of people. While 'Amidst' can be used with pronouns or nouns referring to groups, 'Among' or 'Amongst' is more commonly and naturally used when talking about selection or comparison within a group of people. The phrasing feels slightly awkward compared to "Among them, who do you think is better?".
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Option 2: "There was a lot of confusion amidst his mind."
This sentence attempts to use 'Amidst' to describe a state within a person's mind. 'Amidst' is typically used for physical surroundings, groups, or external situations/conditions. Internal states like 'confusion' within someone's mind are usually described using prepositions like 'in' or 'within'. For example, "There was a lot of confusion in his mind." Using 'Amidst' here is incorrect.
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Option 3: "Amidst all the confusion the thief managed to slink away unnoticed."
Here, 'Amidst' is used before "all the confusion". 'Confusion' refers to a state or situation. This sentence means "in the middle of all the confusion" or "surrounded by all the confusion". This is a correct and common usage of 'Amidst' to describe the circumstances or setting in which an action took place. The thief was in the middle of a chaotic situation (the confusion) when they slipped away.
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Option 4: "Who amidst you shall be brave enough to pick up the gauntlet ?"
Similar to Option 1, this sentence uses 'Amidst' with the pronoun 'you' referring to a group of people. Again, 'Among you' or 'Amongst you' is the more standard and natural phrasing when asking about selection or asking someone from a group to come forward. While not strictly impossible, 'Amongst' is preferred in this context.
Identifying the Correct Sentence
Based on the analysis, Option 3 uses 'Amidst' correctly to describe being in the middle of a situation or condition ('all the confusion'). The other options use 'Amidst' in less common or incorrect ways.
Revision Table: 'Amidst' vs. 'Among/Amongst'
| Word | Primary Usage Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Amidst | Amidst the ruins, Amidst the chaos, Amidst the crowd, Amidst the celebrations | Often refers to being in the middle of a physical location, situation, or condition. Can sometimes be used like 'amongst', but less common for selecting from people. |
| Among / Amongst | Among the students, Among the trees, Among friends, Amongst ourselves | Often used for being part of a group, distribution within a group, or selection from a group (especially people). 'Amongst' is slightly more formal or traditional than 'Among'. |
Additional Information on Prepositions of Place and Situation
Prepositions like 'Amidst', 'Among', 'Amongst', 'In', and 'Within' help describe location, position, or circumstances. Choosing the right one depends on the context.
- In: Used for enclosed spaces, geographical locations (cities, countries), and abstract concepts (in trouble, in love, in mind).
- Within: Similar to 'in', often emphasizing boundaries or limits (within the box, within reason, within his thoughts).
- Among/Amongst: Used for being part of a group of distinct items or people (among the books, among friends).
- Amidst: Used for being in the middle of something less distinct or more amorphous, like a situation, condition, or a general mass (amidst the fog, amidst the noise, amidst the panic).
In the context of the question, 'Amidst all the confusion' correctly places the action within a specific, chaotic situation.
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Important Questions from Correct Usage of Word
Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.
INTEREST
A. She must be allowed to grieve and interest in her own way.
B. He urged further interest rate cuts in a bid to kick-start the economy.
C. It might interest you to learn that I've changed my opinion on that matter.
Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.
REVISED
A. The college has revised its plans because of local objections.
B. The revised proposal will be presented to the board for discussion at Tuesday's meeting.
C. The judge was revised in the newspapers for his opinions on rape.
Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.
DEFY
A. The brave young woman decided to defy the rules and pursue her dreams.
B. His actions openly defied the authority of the government.
C. The officer was convicted for refusing to defy orders
Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.
HANDLE
A. She carefully held the handle of the door.
B. The detective found a crucial piece of evidence with his keen handle on the case.
C. He couldn't handle the pressure and decided to quit.
Select the option in which the usage of the given word is INCORRECT or INAPPROPRIATE.
EXPECT
