For the expression which has been underlined in each of the following sentences, choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which most nearly expresses its meaning. I could not go up in lifefor want ofproper guidance.
For lack of
Understanding the Idiom 'For Want Of'
The question asks us to find the phrase that is closest in meaning to the underlined expression "for want of" in the sentence: "I could not go up in life for want of proper guidance."
Let's break down the meaning of "for want of".
Meaning of 'For Want Of'
The idiom "for want of" is used to indicate that something is lacking or unavailable, and this lack is the reason for something else happening or not happening. It essentially means "because of a lack of" or "for lack of".
In the given sentence, "I could not go up in life for want of proper guidance" means the person could not succeed or progress in life because they lacked proper guidance.
Analyzing the Options
Let's examine each option to see which one best matches the meaning of "for want of":
- For lack of: This phrase directly means a shortage or absence of something. This aligns perfectly with the meaning of "for want of".
- For need of: This implies requiring something, but it doesn't necessarily mean the thing is absent. You can need something you already have but want more of, or need something that is available but you haven't obtained yet. "For want of" specifically implies unavailability or absence.
- For the desire of: This means wanting something. The sentence isn't saying the person couldn't succeed because they desired proper guidance; it says they couldn't succeed because they didn't have it.
- For the necessity of: This implies something is essential or required. While guidance might be necessary for success, the phrase "for want of" focuses on the absence of that necessary thing, not the mere fact that it is necessary.
Comparing the options, "For lack of" is the phrase that most accurately expresses the meaning of "for want of".
The sentence rewritten with the correct phrase would be: "I could not go up in life for lack of proper guidance." This sentence conveys the same meaning as the original.
Step-by-Step Analysis
- Identify the phrase to be explained: "for want of".
- Understand the context: The phrase explains why the person could not "go up in life" (succeed or progress).
- Determine the meaning of "for want of": It means "because of a lack of" or "for lack of".
- Evaluate each option:
- Option (a) "For lack of" - Matches the meaning.
- Option (b) "For need of" - Incorrect; implies requirement, not necessarily absence.
- Option (c) "For the desire of" - Incorrect; implies wanting, not absence.
- Option (d) "For the necessity of" - Incorrect; implies essentiality, not absence of the essential thing.
- Select the option that best fits the meaning: Option (a).
Therefore, the phrase "For lack of" most nearly expresses the meaning of "for want of".
Revision Table: Understanding Phrases
| Phrase | Meaning | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| For want of | Because of a lack of; for lack of | The plan failed for want of proper funding. |
| For lack of | Because something is missing or unavailable | He couldn't finish the project for lack of time. |
| For need of | Because something is required or necessary | They stopped for need of rest. |
| For the desire of | Because someone wants something | He worked hard for the desire of recognition. |
| For the necessity of | Because something is essential | Action was taken for the necessity of immediate response. |
Additional Information: Common English Idioms
Understanding idioms and phrases is important for comprehending English texts and improving vocabulary. Idioms often have meanings that cannot be deduced simply from the individual words.
Some other common idioms involving 'want':
- Want in/out: To want to join/leave a group or activity.
- Want for nothing: To have everything one needs or desires.
- Want of a nail: Refers to a chain of failures starting from a small oversight (from the proverb "For want of a nail, the shoe was lost...").
Learning these idiomatic expressions helps in understanding nuances in language and improving communication skills, particularly for competitive exams and general English proficiency.
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Important Questions from One Word Substitution
For the expression which has been underlined in each of the following sentences, choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which most nearly expresses its meaning.
The institution decided to give Mrs. Roy’s job to her son not because she was a social worker, but because she haddied in harness.
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