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 The clouds of suspicion will clear_________ soon.
Off
Understanding Phrasal Verbs: Clearing Suspicion
The question asks us to choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: "The clouds of suspicion will clear_________ soon." This sentence uses a figurative expression, comparing suspicion to clouds that need to dissipate or disappear.
Let's examine the options and their meanings in the context of phrasal verbs or common usage.
Analyzing the Options for 'Clear'
- Up: "Clear up" often means to become brighter (weather), to resolve confusion or a problem, or to tidy a place. For example, "The weather will clear up" or "Let's clear up this misunderstanding." While suspicion involves confusion, "clear up" usually applies to the misunderstanding itself rather than the 'clouds' of suspicion dissipating.
- Away: "Clear away" typically means to remove things, like clearing away dishes from a table or clearing away debris. This meaning doesn't fit the context of suspicion dissipating.
- Off: "Clear off" can mean to leave quickly (informal) or, when used in the context of something like clouds or suspicion, it means to dissipate, disappear, or move away. For example, "The fog is clearing off" or "The protesters were told to clear off." In the phrase "clouds of suspicion," "clear off" effectively conveys the idea of the suspicion disappearing.
- By: "Clear by" is not a standard phrasal verb that fits this context. "Clear by" could potentially be used in a different structure like "clear by a certain time" (meaning finished by) or "clear by a certain margin" (meaning winning by), neither of which is relevant here.
Why 'Clear Off' is Appropriate
In the sentence "The clouds of suspicion will clear off soon," the phrasal verb "clear off" is used figuratively. It implies that the doubts, distrust, or negative feelings associated with the suspicion will dissipate and vanish, much like actual clouds moving away or disappearing from the sky. This usage specifically fits the idea of something unwanted (like suspicion represented as clouds) going away.
| Phrasal Verb/Usage | Common Meaning(s) | Relevance to Suspicion |
|---|---|---|
| Clear up | Become brighter (weather); Resolve confusion/problem; Tidy | Could imply resolving the cause of suspicion, but less direct for the 'clouds' dissipating. |
| Clear away | Remove things | Not relevant to suspicion. |
| Clear off | Dissipate/Disappear (clouds, fog); Leave quickly | Directly implies the disappearance of suspicion ('clouds'). |
| Clear by | Finish by; Margin of victory (different usage) | Not relevant to suspicion. |
Therefore, the most appropriate word to complete the sentence is "Off".
Revision Table: Understanding Grammar Concepts
| Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| Phrasal Verbs | A verb combined with an adverb or a preposition, or sometimes both, to give a new meaning. Example: 'look up', 'clear off'. |
| Idiomatic Expression | A phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meaning of its individual words. Example: 'clouds of suspicion'. |
| Contextual Usage | Understanding how the meaning of a word or phrase changes based on the surrounding words and the overall situation. |
Additional Information: Phrasal Verbs with 'Clear'
Phrasal verbs are common in English and often have multiple meanings. Mastering them requires practice and exposure to different contexts.
- Clear out: To empty something or leave a place permanently or quickly. Example: "They cleared out the garage." or "The police told them to clear out."
- Clear through: To get approval or permission. Example: "The proposal needs to be cleared through the committee."
- Clear with: To get permission from someone. Example: "You need to clear that with your manager."
Understanding the nuances of these verbs is crucial for accurate sentence construction and comprehension.
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Important Questions from Fill in the Blanks
Directions: Fill in the blanks with the word that best completes the sentence.
With a less rapid expansion of the economy, we should make________ progress toward stable price levels.
Directions: Fill in the blanks with the word that best completes the sentence.
At times he gets very angry, and then no one can_______ him.
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.
Many people today have fallen into utter confusion of values with the result that they cannot______ the good from the bad.
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
If Mohan________ at 5 a.m., he would not have missed the train.
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.
