Select the segment in which a word has been INCORRECTLY used. The children were so exhausted that they sank warily into bed.
Warily into bed
Understanding Incorrect Word Usage in Sentences
The question asks us to identify the segment in the given sentence where a word has been used incorrectly. The sentence is: "The children were so exhausted that they sank warily into bed." Let's break down the meaning of the words and how they fit together.
Analyzing the Sentence Segments
We need to examine each part of the sentence provided in the options to see if any word is used inappropriately based on the context.
- "The children": This is the subject of the sentence. It correctly identifies who the sentence is about. No incorrect word usage here.
- "were so exhausted": This phrase describes the state of the children. "Exhausted" means extremely tired. This is a common and correct way to describe being very tired. No incorrect word usage here.
- "That they sank": This describes the action the children took as a result of being exhausted. "Sank" implies moving downwards heavily or deeply, which fits the context of being very tired and getting into bed. No incorrect word usage here.
- "warily into bed": This phrase includes the adverb "warily". Let's consider the meaning of "warily".
Defining 'Warily' and its Context
The word "warily" is an adverb derived from "wary".
- Wary (adjective): Feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems.
- Warily (adverb): In a manner that shows caution; hesitantly or suspiciously.
When someone is exhausted, they are typically lacking energy and caution. They would likely collapse or sink into bed without hesitation or suspicion. Using "warily" to describe how someone who is extremely tired gets into bed is contradictory to the meaning of the word "warily". An exhausted person would likely sink "heavily," "wearily," or "deeply" into bed, rather than "warily."
Identifying the Incorrect Segment
Based on our analysis of the word "warily" and the context of the children being "exhausted", the word "warily" is not used correctly in this sentence. The action of sinking into bed due to exhaustion would not typically be done cautiously or hesitantly.
Therefore, the segment containing the incorrectly used word is "Warily into bed".
Option Analysis
Let's look at the options again:
- Were so exhausted: This segment is correct.
- Warily into bed: This segment contains the word "warily", which is used incorrectly in this context.
- That they sank: This segment is correct.
- The children: This segment is correct.
The segment "Warily into bed" is where a word has been INCORRECTLY used.
Revision Table: Understanding Word Choice
Choosing the right word is crucial for clear communication. Using a thesaurus can help find synonyms, but always ensure the synonym fits the specific context and nuance required.
| Word | Meaning | Context Example (Correct Use) | Context Example (Incorrect Use) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exhausted | Extremely tired | After the long hike, she was exhausted. | (Rarely used incorrectly in its core meaning) |
| Sank | Moved downwards (often heavily or deeply) | He sank into the comfortable chair. | The balloon sank upwards. (Incorrect direction) |
| Warily | Cautiously, hesitantly, suspiciously | She entered the dark room warily. | He gratefully accepted the gift warily. (Accepting gratefully implies no caution) |
Additional Information: Adverbs and Context
Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing more information about manner, place, time, or degree. The adverb "warily" describes the manner in which the children sank into bed.
Choosing the correct adverb is essential for conveying the intended meaning. In this case, the adverb describing the manner of sinking into bed should align with the state of being exhausted. Words like "heavily," "wearily," or "deeply" suggest the lack of energy associated with exhaustion, fitting the act of collapsing into bed.
- Wearily: In a way that shows tiredness.
- Heavily: With weight; in a way suggesting burden or deepness.
- Deeply: To a great extent; suggesting immersion or profoundness.
Each of these adverbs would be more appropriate than "warily" in describing how an exhausted person gets into bed, as they reflect the state of being extremely tired rather than being cautious or suspicious.
Important Questions from Error Spotting
Direction: Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c) Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
A honest mistake (a) / is no more than that; (b) / just an honest mistake. (c) / No error (d)Direction: Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c) Read each sentence to determine whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
A company of five thousand soldiers , (a) / having marched tirelessly for over five days , (b) / have just moved into their cantonment . (c) / No error (d)Direction: Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c) Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
Every person who believes in principles (a) / must stand up to fight (b) / for their convictions . (c) / No error (d)Direction: Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c) Read each sentence to determine whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
The Olympic Games reflects(a) / the highest spirit of (b) / human endeavour and achievement . (c) / No error (d)Direction: Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c) Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
The principal of the school (a) / stressed the need for discipline (b) / amongst the students. (c) / No error (d)
