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. Everything hinges _____ what happens next.
Upon
Understanding the Sentence and the Verb 'Hinges'
The sentence "Everything hinges _____ what happens next" asks us to choose the correct preposition to complete the phrase. The verb 'hinge' in this context is used idiomatically. When something "hinges on" or "hinges upon" something else, it means that the first thing depends entirely on the second thing. The outcome of everything is determined by what happens next.
Analyzing the Prepositional Phrase 'Hinges On/Upon'
The common idiomatic expressions are 'hinges on' and 'hinges upon'. Both 'on' and 'upon' are prepositions that can be used interchangeably in this specific idiomatic construction. They convey the meaning of dependence or being determined by something.
- Hinges on: Means depends entirely on.
- Hinges upon: Also means depends entirely on. 'Upon' is often considered slightly more formal than 'on'.
Evaluating the Options
Let's look at the given options and see which one fits the idiomatic meaning of 'hinges' in this sentence.
- Option 1: Of
The phrase "hinges of" is not a standard idiomatic expression meaning 'depends on'. 'Of' typically indicates possession, relation, or composition. - Option 2: With
The phrase "hinges with" is not a standard idiomatic expression meaning 'depends on'. 'With' usually indicates accompaniment, relation, or using something. - Option 3: In
The phrase "hinges in" is not a standard idiomatic expression meaning 'depends on'. 'In' typically indicates location within something or a state. - Option 4: Upon
The phrase "hinges upon" is a standard idiomatic expression that means 'depends entirely on'. This fits the context of the sentence where everything's outcome is determined by future events.
Based on the standard usage of the verb 'hinge' in this context, the correct preposition is 'upon' (or 'on'). Since 'Upon' is one of the options, it is the correct choice.
Completing the Sentence
Inserting 'upon' into the blank, the sentence becomes:
Everything hinges upon what happens next.
This sentence correctly conveys that the outcome of everything is dependent on what happens next.
| Option | Preposition | Fits 'Hinges'? | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Of | No | "Hinges of" is not a standard idiom for dependence. |
| 2 | With | No | "Hinges with" is not a standard idiom for dependence. |
| 3 | In | No | "Hinges in" is not a standard idiom for dependence. |
| 4 | Upon | Yes | "Hinges upon" is a standard idiom meaning 'depends entirely on'. |
Revision Table: Prepositions with 'Hinge'
| Phrase | Meaning | Usage Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hinge on | To depend entirely on something | Commonly used, slightly less formal |
| Hinge upon | To depend entirely on something | Commonly used, slightly more formal |
Additional Information: Understanding Phrasal Verbs and Idioms
This question highlights the importance of understanding phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions in English. A phrasal verb is a verb combined with a preposition or adverb (or both), which takes on a new meaning. For example, 'give up' means surrender. An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be deduced from the meanings of its individual words (e.g., 'kick the bucket' means die).
In this case, 'hinge on/upon' acts like a phrasal verb or idiom, where the combination of 'hinge' and 'on'/'upon' has a specific meaning ('to depend on') that is different from the literal meaning of 'hinge' (a movable joint). Learning these specific combinations is key to using prepositions correctly in many contexts.
- Many verbs require specific prepositions to form meaningful phrases.
- These combinations are often fixed and need to be learned through exposure and practice.
- Using the wrong preposition can change the meaning or make the sentence sound incorrect.
Important Questions from Fill in the Blanks
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