In the following question, the sentence given with blank to be filled in with an appropriate word. Select the correct alternative out of the four and indicate it by selecting the appropriate option.
Nothing
Understanding the Sentence Completion Question
The question asks us to select the most appropriate word to fill in the blank in the given sentence: "_______ great was achieved by an individual without enthusiasm and interest."
We need to choose a word that makes the sentence grammatically correct and conveys a logical meaning. The sentence implies a relationship between achieving "great" things and possessing "enthusiasm and interest". The phrase "without enthusiasm and interest" suggests a condition under which achieving something great is difficult or impossible.
Analyzing the Options
Let's examine each option provided:
- Option 1: Nothing
If we insert "Nothing", the sentence becomes: "Nothing great was achieved by an individual without enthusiasm and interest." This means that an individual lacking enthusiasm and interest did not achieve anything great. This aligns with the common understanding that passion and interest are crucial for significant accomplishments. This option creates a grammatically correct sentence that makes sense.
- Option 2: Something
If we insert "Something", the sentence becomes: "Something great was achieved by an individual without enthusiasm and interest." This means that an individual lacking enthusiasm and interest *did* achieve something great. This contradicts the likely intended meaning of the sentence, which is that these qualities are necessary for great achievement.
- Option 3: Everything
If we insert "Everything", the sentence becomes: "Everything great was achieved by an individual without enthusiasm and interest." This means that an individual lacking enthusiasm and interest achieved *all* great things. This is highly improbable and makes the sentence illogical.
- Option 4: Anything
If we insert "Anything", the sentence becomes: "Anything great was achieved by an individual without enthusiasm and interest." While "anything" can sometimes be used in negative contexts (like "He didn't achieve anything"), in this structure ("Anything great was achieved... without..."), it doesn't fit naturally to convey the intended negative meaning. "Anything" is typically used in questions ("Was anything great achieved?") or in positive/conditional statements ("If anything great was achieved, it was...").
Determining the Correct Word
Based on the analysis, the word "Nothing" is the only option that logically completes the sentence and conveys the message that enthusiasm and interest are essential for achieving great things. The sentence structure implies a negative outcome in the absence of these qualities.
Final Answer
The correct word to fill the blank is "Nothing". The complete sentence is: Nothing great was achieved by an individual without enthusiasm and interest.
Revision Table: Vocabulary and Grammar Check
| Word | Type | Meaning in Context | Fit in Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing | Pronoun/Adverb | Not anything; no single thing. Indicates absence or lack of result. | Fits perfectly to show that great achievement is absent without enthusiasm/interest. |
| Something | Pronoun | An unspecified thing. Indicates presence or existence of a thing. | Does not fit, contradicts the implied negative consequence of lacking enthusiasm/interest. |
| Everything | Pronoun | All things. Indicates totality. | Does not fit, makes the sentence illogical and contrary to common sense. |
| Anything | Pronoun | A thing of any kind; used in questions, negative statements, or conditional clauses. | Does not fit naturally in this specific negative construction to convey the intended meaning. |
Additional Information: Negative Constructions
This question uses a structure that implies a negative outcome ("without enthusiasm and interest") leading to a lack of achievement. Negative pronouns like "nothing" are commonly used at the beginning of a sentence to indicate the complete absence of something, especially when linking a cause (lack of enthusiasm) to an effect (lack of great achievement).
Consider similar negative constructions:
- Nothing was said about the incident.
- No progress was made without extra effort.
- Hardly anything was left after the storm.
In contrast, "anything" is more typical in sentences that already contain a negative word (like "not") or in questions and conditions:
- They didn't achieve anything great.
- Did anything great happen?
- If anything great is to be achieved, effort is needed.
Therefore, "Nothing" is the most appropriate choice to complete the sentence correctly and naturally.
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.
