Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly. His property was divided ______ his daughters and sons.
Among
Analyzing the Preposition Question: Property Division
The question asks us to select the most appropriate word to fill the blank in the sentence: "His property was divided ______ his daughters and sons." This sentence describes how a property was distributed among a group of people.
Let's examine the options provided:
- Between
- Among
- From
- With
We need to determine which preposition correctly indicates the division of property among the individuals mentioned.
Understanding Key Prepositions: Between vs. Among
The choice often comes down to 'Between' and 'Among'. Let's clarify their typical usage:
- Between: Generally used when referring to two specific items, people, or groups. It can also be used for more than two when discussing distinct, individual relationships or comparisons between them.
- Among: Generally used when referring to three or more people or things, especially when they are seen as a group or mass, and the division is not focused on individual relationships but distribution within the group.
Evaluating the Options
Let's consider each option in the context of the sentence "His property was divided ______ his daughters and sons.":
- Between: While 'between' is usually for two, the sentence mentions "daughters and sons." This implies more than two people in total (at least one daughter and at least one son, making it a group of at least two, but commonly interpreted as multiple daughters and multiple sons). If it were "divided between his daughter and his son," 'between' would be correct. However, "daughters and sons" suggests a group of several individuals.
- Among: This preposition is typically used when dividing something among a group of three or more people or things. "His daughters and sons" clearly represents a group of individuals (likely more than two). Dividing property across this group fits the common usage of 'among'.
- From: 'From' is used to indicate origin, source, or distance. It does not fit the context of dividing something and distributing it.
- With: 'With' indicates accompaniment, possession, or using something. It does not convey the action of dividing and sharing property among people.
Determining the Most Appropriate Word
Given that the property is being divided and distributed to a group referred to collectively as "his daughters and sons," which implies more than two individuals, the preposition 'among' is the most appropriate choice according to standard English usage for distribution within a group.
Revision Table: Between vs. Among Usage
| Preposition | Typical Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Between | For two specific items, people, or groups; or for distinct relationships among more than two. | The negotiations were between the two countries. He divided the cake between John and Mary. There is a treaty between the three nations. (Discussing individual agreements) |
| Among | For three or more items, people, or things, seen as a group or mass; distribution within a group. | He distributed the sweets among the children. She was the most popular among her friends. His property was divided among his heirs. |
In the given sentence, "his daughters and sons" refers to a group receiving the property. Thus, 'among' is the correct preposition.
Additional Information: Prepositions of Distribution
While 'between' and 'among' are common for division, other prepositions like 'amongst' (an alternative form of 'among', more common in British English or literary contexts) or phrases using 'to' or 'for' can also relate to distribution, depending on the sentence structure.
- Distribute something to people. (e.g., He distributed the leaflets to the crowd.)
- Share something with someone. (e.g., Share your toys with your sister.)
- Divide something into parts. (e.g., Divide the work into smaller tasks.)
However, when indicating that something is divided or shared *among* a group of recipients, 'among' is the standard and correct preposition.
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