In connection with the ragging, have you found out against \qquad the Principal has ordered an enquiry?

Appeared in: NVS Staff Nurse - 2022

Explanation

The blank in the sentence follows the preposition 'against'.
When a pronoun acts as the object of a preposition, it must be in the objective case.
'Whom' is the objective case of the pronoun 'who' and is used to refer to people.
The phrase 'against whom' is the grammatically correct construction for this sentence.

Option A: 'Whose' is a possessive pronoun used to show ownership.
Option B: 'Which' is a pronoun used to refer to things or animals, not people in a formal context like this.
Option D: 'Who' is a subjective pronoun, used when the pronoun is the subject of a verb.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pronoun Case (Subjective, Objective, Possessive) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While this is an English grammar question, clear and precise communication is a critical skill for nurses.
Accurate documentation in patient charts, reports, and handover notes prevents misunderstandings and ensures patient safety.
Using correct grammar in professional communication with colleagues, patients, and their families builds trust and demonstrates professionalism.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the sentence structure to identify the grammatical role of the missing word.
Notice that the blank space comes directly after the word 'against', which is a preposition.
Recall the grammatical rule: A pronoun that follows a preposition (acting as its object) must be in the objective case.
Examine the options provided: 'Who' (subjective), 'Whom' (objective), 'Whose' (possessive), and 'Which' (for things).
Select the objective pronoun 'Whom' as it correctly fits the grammatical structure 'preposition + object'.
Confirm your choice using the 'he/him' test: Rephrase the clause as 'The Principal ordered an enquiry against him.' Since 'him' fits, 'whom' is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full NVS Staff Nurse - 2022

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