In the given text, the blanks are numbered (i)-(iv). Select the best match for all the blanks.
Following a row (i) the shopkeeper, (ii) the price of a frying pan, the cook stood (iii) a row to withdraw cash (iv) the ATM booth.
A. (i) with (ii) over (iii) at (iv) with
B. (i) at (ii) over (iii) over (iv) in
C. (i) with (ii) over (iii) in (iv) at
D. (i) over (ii) with (iii) over (iv) at
GATE 2024 · General Aptitude · Most Appropriate Word · medium
Answer: C. (i) with, (ii) over, (iii) in, (iv) at - each blank is filled with the correct prepositional collocation.
Determine blank (i): ___ the shopkeeper: The idiom 'have a row with someone' uses 'with' to indicate the person one is quarrelling with. So (i) = 'with'.
Determine blank (ii): ___ the price: 'Over' indicates the subject matter of the argument. 'Row over the price' = argue about the price. So (ii) = 'over'.
Determine blank (iii): stood ___ a row: 'In a row' or 'in a queue' means standing in a line. So (iii) = 'in'.
Determine blank (iv): cash ___ the ATM booth: 'At' is used with specific points or locations like ATM booths, bus stops, shops. So (iv) = 'at'.