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Question

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank and complete the collocation.

Although she didn't reveal her plans clearly, I had a ________ idea.

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2022 Tier-II (Paper 2 JSO) Previous Year Paper (04-Mar-2023)
The correct answer is

rough

Understanding Collocations: Completing the Phrase "A ________ Idea"

This question asks us to find the most appropriate word to complete a common phrase, also known as a collocation. A collocation is a pair or group of words that are habitually used together, creating a natural-sounding expression.

The sentence provides a context: "Although she didn't reveal her plans clearly, I had a ________ idea." The phrase following "although" tells us that her plans were not clear. Therefore, the resulting "idea" held by the speaker is likely not a fully formed, precise, or detailed one.

Analyzing the Options for Completing the Collocation

Let's examine each option to see which one fits the context and forms a natural collocation with "idea":

  • clear idea: If someone's plans were not revealed clearly, it is unlikely the resulting idea in the listener's mind would be clear. This option contradicts the context.
  • concise idea: "Concise" means brief but comprehensive. While an idea might be concise, the context about unclear plans doesn't directly suggest brevity as the primary characteristic of the idea.
  • complete idea: A "complete idea" suggests a fully developed or detailed concept. Again, if the plans were not clearly revealed, having a complete idea about them is improbable.
  • rough idea: A "rough idea" means an approximate, general, or not fully detailed idea. This perfectly fits the context where the plans were not revealed clearly. You might have a general sense or an approximation, but not a precise understanding. "Rough idea" is a very common and natural collocation in English.

Based on the analysis of the context and the natural usage of words, "rough" is the most appropriate word to complete the collocation.

Therefore, the completed sentence using the correct collocation is: "Although she didn't reveal her plans clearly, I had a rough idea."

Revision Table: Key Concepts

Concept Explanation Example Collocation
Collocation Words that commonly go together. make a mistake
Context The situation or information surrounding a word or phrase that helps determine its meaning or appropriate usage. The unclear revelation of plans in the sentence.
Rough idea An approximate or general idea, not detailed. I have a rough idea of the cost.

Additional Information on English Collocations and Vocabulary

Understanding collocations is crucial for speaking and writing English naturally. While grammatical rules are important, knowing which words fit together helps you sound more fluent and accurate. Here are a few points about collocations:

  • Collocations can involve different word types, such as adjective + noun (like "rough idea"), verb + noun (like "make a decision"), or adverb + adjective (like "fully aware").
  • Learning collocations in groups can be helpful (e.g., verbs that go with "idea": get an idea, have an idea, come up with an idea, a rough idea, a clear idea).
  • Dictionaries specifically designed for collocations can be useful resources for English learners.
  • Pay attention to how words are used together when reading or listening to English; this is a great way to pick up natural collocations.
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