Fill in the blank with the relevant preposition-

The cake was cut ____a knife.

Appeared in: NORCET -4 , 2023

Explanation

The preposition 'with' is used to indicate the tool or instrument used to perform an action.
In the sentence, 'a knife' is the instrument used for the action of 'cutting'.
Therefore, 'with' is the grammatically correct choice to show the relationship between the action and the tool.

Option A: The preposition 'by' is used to indicate the agent (the person or thing performing the action), not the instrument. A knife is a tool, not an agent.
Option B: The preposition 'upon' indicates position, meaning 'on top of'. It does not describe the means or instrument used for an action.
Option D: The preposition 'at' is used to indicate a specific point in time or location. It is not used to show instrumentality.

Visual 1: Infographic: A simple chart comparing the usage of 'with' (for tools/instruments) and 'by' (for agents/doers) with clear examples for each.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Use of prepositions to indicate instrumentality as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question tests fundamental English grammar and is not related to a clinical or nursing concept.
Strong language skills are essential for clear and accurate documentation, patient communication, and interprofessional collaboration in any healthcare setting.
What if the sentence was 'The incision was made ___ a scalpel'? The answer would still be 'with', as the scalpel is the instrument used for the action.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the action in the sentence (the verb): 'was cut'.
Identify the noun that follows the blank: 'a knife'.
Determine the relationship between the action and the noun. Is the knife the 'doer' of the action (the agent) or the 'tool' used for the action (the instrument)?
Recognize that 'a knife' is a tool.
Recall the grammatical rule: the preposition 'with' is used to indicate an instrument.
Select 'with' as the correct answer and eliminate other options based on their primary meanings ('by' for agent, 'upon' for position, 'at' for location/time).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full NORCET -4 , 2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.