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. If food supply failsto keep pace withpopulation, civilization will collapse.
To move at the same speed as
Understanding the Phrase 'To Keep Pace With'
The question asks for the meaning of the underlined phrase "to keep pace with" in the sentence: "If food supply fails to keep pace with population, civilization will collapse." This phrase is an idiom, and its meaning is related to matching a rate or speed of development or change.
Analyzing 'To Keep Pace With'
The phrase "to keep pace with" means to move, grow, or develop at the same speed or rate as someone or something else. It implies a need to maintain a comparable speed or level to avoid falling behind.
- In the context of the sentence, "food supply" and "population" are quantities that change over time.
- Population tends to grow.
- Food supply also needs to grow to support the population.
- The phrase "to keep pace with population" means the growth rate of the food supply must be comparable to the growth rate of the population.
- If the food supply grows slower than the population (fails to keep pace), there won't be enough food, leading to potential collapse.
Evaluating the Options
Let's look at the provided options and see which one best fits the meaning of "to keep pace with" in this specific sentence:
- Option 1: "To grow along with". This is close, but "keeping pace" emphasizes the *rate* or *speed* of growth being matched, not just growing simultaneously. You could grow along with something but at a much slower rate, which wouldn't be keeping pace.
- Option 2: "To walk side by side". This is a literal interpretation of "pace" (referring to steps) and "side by side" (referring to physical proximity). The idiom is used figuratively for non-physical things like growth rates of food supply and population. This meaning doesn't fit the context.
- Option 3: "To gain momentum". To gain momentum means to increase in speed or strength. While related to speed, "to keep pace with" is about matching the speed of *something else*, not necessarily increasing your own speed independently (unless that's what's required to match the other entity's speed). This doesn't capture the core meaning of matching another's rate.
- Option 4: "To move at the same speed as". This option directly addresses the idea of matching the rate of change or development. "Speed" here is used figuratively to represent the rate of growth for both food supply and population. This meaning perfectly aligns with the idea that food production must increase at a rate similar to population increase to avoid collapse.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis of the idiom and how it is used in the sentence, the option that most nearly expresses the meaning of "to keep pace with" is "To move at the same speed as".
Revision Table: Understanding Idioms
| Idiom | Literal Meaning | Figurative Meaning | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| To keep pace with | To walk or run at the same speed as someone else. | To develop, grow, or progress at the same rate as someone or something else; to stay level with progress or change. | Technology is advancing so fast, it's hard to keep pace with it. |
| Break the ice | To literally break a layer of ice. | To initiate social interaction in a tense or unfamiliar situation; to make people feel more comfortable. | He told a joke to break the ice at the start of the meeting. |
Additional Information: Related Concepts
Understanding idioms and phrases is crucial for mastering English vocabulary and comprehension. Phrases like "to keep pace with" are common in discussing economic, social, or technological development. Other related concepts or phrases might include:
- Lagging behind: Falling behind the progress or development of others. (Antonym of keeping pace).
- Staying abreast of: Keeping up-to-date with the latest information or developments. (Similar to keeping pace with information).
- Matching the rate: Explicitly stating the need for one rate of change to be equal to another.
When encountering an unfamiliar phrase, try to understand its meaning from the context of the sentence. Break down the core concepts being discussed (like food supply and population growth rates) and how the phrase connects them.
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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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I could not go up in lifefor want ofproper guidance.
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.
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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.
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