Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option. "Will you please buy bread? You needn't buy butter."

Appeared in: CGHS SSC - 2018

Explanation

The first sentence is a polite request ('Will you please...'), which uses 'some' even though it is a question.
Bread is an uncountable noun, and 'some' is used with uncountable nouns to denote an unspecified amount.
The second sentence is negative due to the word 'needn't' (need not).
The quantifier 'any' is used in negative sentences with both countable and uncountable nouns.

Option A: The quantifier 'few' is used only with plural countable nouns (e.g., 'few coins', 'few people'). 'Bread' is an uncountable noun, so 'few' is grammatically incorrect.
Option C: The second part of the sentence ('You needn't buy ___ butter') is negative. 'Some' is typically used in positive statements, not negative ones.
Option D: In the first blank, while 'any' can be used in questions, 'some' is the standard and more polite choice for requests and offers. In the second blank, 'some' is incorrect because the sentence is negative.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Usage of quantifiers (some, any) in English grammar as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Clear communication is a critical nursing skill. Using correct grammar, such as choosing between 'some' and 'any', ensures instructions and requests to patients, families, and colleagues are understood without ambiguity.
For example, asking a patient, 'Would you like some water?' is a clear and polite offer. In contrast, asking, 'Do you have any pain?' is the standard way to inquire about the presence of a symptom.
Using the wrong quantifier can sometimes lead to confusion. A nurse documenting 'patient ate any food' is unclear, whereas 'patient ate some food' correctly indicates a quantity was consumed.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the first sentence: 'Will you please buy ___ bread?'. Recognize this as a polite request, not a general question.
Recall the grammatical rule that 'some' is used for polite requests and offers.
Next, analyze the second sentence: 'You needn't buy ___ butter.'. Identify the word 'needn't' (need not) as making the sentence negative.
Recall the rule that 'any' is used in negative sentences.
Combine the two parts. The first blank requires 'some' and the second requires 'any'.
Scan the options to find the pair 'Some ; any' and select it as the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full CGHS SSC - 2018

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