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Question

Look at the underlined part of each sentence. Below each sentence are given three possible substitutions for the underlined part. If one of them (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, indicate your response against the corresponding letter. If none of the substitutions improves the sentence, indicate (d) as your response.

The angry neighbours never passed from each other without making rude remarks.

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2017 General Knowledge Previous Year Paper (05-Feb-2017)
The correct answer is

Passed

Understanding the Sentence and the Underlined Phrase

The sentence provided is: "The angry neighbours never passed from each other without making rude remarks." The underlined part is "passed from each other". We need to evaluate the given options to find the best substitute for this phrase that makes the sentence grammatically correct and natural.

The phrase "passed from each other" is awkward and not standard English usage when describing people encountering each other while moving in opposite directions or side-by-side.

Analyzing the Substitution Options

Let's look at the proposed substitutions:

  1. Passed on: The phrasal verb "pass on" usually means to die, to transfer something to someone else, or to continue moving past something. In this context, it does not fit the meaning of neighbours encountering each other.
  2. Passed against: "Passed against" is not a standard English phrase in this context and does not convey the intended meaning of two people moving past each other.
  3. Passed: The verb "passed" here implies "passed each other". While "passed each other" is a common and explicit way to say it, "passed" on its own can often convey the same meaning when the context involves two entities moving past one another. For example, "They passed in the corridor" means "They passed each other in the corridor". Comparing it to the original phrase "passed from each other", "passed" is a much better and grammatically sound option.
  4. No improvement: As discussed, the original phrase "passed from each other" is grammatically incorrect and awkward. Therefore, an improvement is needed.

Determining the Best Substitution for 'Passed from Each Other'

Based on the analysis of the options, "Passed" is the most appropriate and grammatically correct substitute. It smoothly conveys the idea that the neighbours encountered each other as they moved past each other, without needing the awkward "from each other". The full sentence becomes: "The angry neighbours never passed without making rude remarks."

Conclusion on Sentence Improvement

The option "Passed" significantly improves the original sentence by replacing the incorrect and awkward phrase "passed from each other" with a correct and natural-sounding alternative that implies they passed each other.

Original Phrase Substitution Option Analysis Improvement?
Passed from each other Passed on Incorrect meaning in this context. No
Passed from each other Passed against Grammatically incorrect phrase. No
Passed from each other Passed Correct and natural meaning (implies 'passed each other'). Yes
Passed from each other No improvement Original phrase is incorrect. No (improvement needed)

Revision Table: Correcting Grammar Errors

Reviewing common errors and their corrections helps in mastering grammar.

  • Incorrect usage of prepositions (like 'from' in 'passed from each other').
  • Choosing the correct verb or phrasal verb for the context.
  • Understanding idiomatic expressions (though 'passed each other' is not strictly an idiom, it's a common phrasing).

Additional Information: Phrasal Verbs and Prepositions

Understanding how verbs combine with prepositions or adverbs to form phrasal verbs is crucial in English grammar. The verb 'pass' can be used in various phrasal verbs, each with a different meaning:

  • Pass away: To die.
  • Pass out: To faint; to distribute something.
  • Pass on: To die; to transmit information or disease; to give something to the next person; to continue moving.
  • Pass through: To travel through a place quickly; to endure a difficult period.

The structure "pass each other" or simply "pass" when two entities are involved in moving past one another is standard. The original phrase "passed from each other" incorrectly uses the preposition "from". Correct preposition usage is key to clear and accurate communication.

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Similar Questions

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Important Questions from Phrase Replacement

  1. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select No improvement.

    The questions are so simple that a child can understand it .

  2. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select No improvement.

    Even children shrink away from food thinking that they should become  overweight.

  3. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select No substitution required.

    The weather reports is prepared by the Meteorological Department of the Government.

  4. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select No improvement.

    He decided to leave very quickly the hotel.

  5. Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select ‘No substitution required’.

    I have been worked hard to finish this project.

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