The word PIN is used in four different ways. Choose the option in which the usage of the word is incorrect or inappropriate?
You can't pin the blame at anyone without verifying facts.
PIN Word Usage: Sentence Analysis
This question tests the understanding of the different ways the word "PIN" can be used in English sentences. We need to identify which sentence uses "PIN" incorrectly or inappropriately.
Understanding the Word 'PIN'
The word "PIN" has several meanings and common idiomatic uses:
- As a noun: A small, sharp metal object used for fastening items together (e.g., hair pin, safety pin).
- As a verb:
- To fasten something with a pin.
- To hold someone or something firmly in a particular place or position.
- To fix or attribute something (like blame or responsibility) to someone.
- To identify or locate something precisely (e.g., PIN number, pinpoint).
- Idiomatic Expressions: Such as "pin hopes on", "pin down", "pin the blame on".
Analyzing Each Sentence Option
Option 1: Hair Pin Usage
Sentence: "She combed her hair backward and secured it with a pin."
Analysis: In this sentence, "pin" refers to a hairpin, a common object used to secure hair. This is a standard and correct usage of the word.
Option 2: Holding Firmly Usage
Sentence: "Jack managed to grab the thief and pin him against the wall until the police arrived on the scene."
Analysis: Here, "pin" is used as a verb meaning to hold someone tightly against a surface. This usage conveys the action of immobilizing the thief and is correct.
Option 3: Idiomatic Usage (Hopes)
Sentence: "It is imprudent to pin your hopes on someone to help you out of his situation."
Analysis: The phrase "pin your hopes on" is a common and correct idiom. It means to place trust or reliance on someone or something for a specific outcome. This usage is appropriate.
Option 4: Idiomatic Usage (Blame) - Incorrect Preposition
Sentence: "You can't pin the blame at anyone without verifying facts."
Analysis: The common and grammatically correct idiom is "to pin the blame on someone". This means to assign responsibility or fault to a particular person. The sentence uses the preposition "at" instead of "on". The usage "pin the blame at" is incorrect and inappropriate in standard English.
Conclusion on PIN Word Usage
The incorrect or inappropriate usage of the word "PIN" occurs in the fourth option due to the incorrect preposition "at" used in the idiom "pin the blame". The correct idiom requires the preposition "on".
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)
