Multiple choice

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

The great bulk of the people was either having one-time meals or not having at all.

  1. The great bulk of the people was either having one-time meals or not having at all.

  2. The great bulk of people were either having one-time meals or not having at all.

  3. Great bulk of the people were either having one-time meals or not having at all.

  4. The great bulk of the people was either having one-time meals or having none at all.

  5. The great bulk of people was either having one-time meals or not having anything at all.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Explanation for (1): Error of comparison. 'Not having at all' is incorrect expression. 'Having one time' cannot be compared with 'not'. It can only be compared with 'none'.

Explanation for (2): 'The great bulk' is not a number, but a singular mass. Hence, 'were' is incorrect.

Explanation for (3): 'The great bulk' is not a number, but a singular mass. Hence, 'were' is incorrect. Also, the omission of article is conspicuous.
Justification for (4): Error of comparison. 'Not having at all' is incorrect expression. 'Having one time' cannot be compared with 'not'. It can only be compared with 'none'. Hence, 'having none at all' in (4) is the answer. Explanation for (5): 'Not having anything at all' is incorrect expression. 'Having one time' cannot be compared with 'not'. It can only be compared with 'none'.

Keep practicing — related questions