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 the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

In many of the Scandinavian countries, the growth of population has been nothing during the last two decades.

  1. growth of population has been nothing during the last two decades

  2. growth of population has been almost nothing during the last two decades

  3. growth of population has been nil during the last two decades

  4. growth of population has been none during the last two decades

  5. growth of population has been little during the last two decades

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Explanation for (1): Error of diction. Growth can be 'nil' but not 'nothing'.

Explanation for (2): This option fails to correct the error of diction.

Explanation for (3): Error of diction. Growth can be 'nil' but not 'nothing', hence (3) is the best choice.
Explanation for (4): Growth can be 'nil' but not 'nothing'. Explanation for (5): This option changes the meaning of the sentence.