In the following question, from the four alternatives, select the option that is the best plural word for the blank space.
Seeing the suitable _____ for food in the Golden Temple, we were all surprised.

1. A

   plates (थालियाँ)

2. B

   plate (थाली)

3. C

   plates (oblique case)

4. D

   plates (incorrect spelling)

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

• The sentence requires a noun to follow the adjective 'suitable'.
• The context of serving food to many people at the Golden Temple implies a need for multiple items, thus requiring a plural noun.
• 'plates' is the correct and standard plural form of the countable noun 'plate'.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option B: 'plate' is a singular noun, which is grammatically incorrect in a context implying multiple items.
• Option C: English nouns do not have a distinct 'oblique case' form that changes their spelling. This is a nonsensical grammatical option.
• Option D: The option is explicitly described as an 'incorrect spelling', making it an invalid word choice.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Plural forms of countable nouns in English grammar as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• Clear communication is essential in all professions, including nursing. Using correct grammar, such as proper singular and plural forms, prevents misunderstandings in written and verbal instructions.
• In a clinical setting, confusing 'a dose' (singular) with 'doses' (plural) of medication could have serious patient safety consequences.
• What if? If the sentence was 'Each pilgrim was given a suitable ____ for food', the singular form 'plate' would be correct because the word 'each' specifies a single item per person.

How to Approach the Question

• First, read the sentence carefully to understand its meaning and context: 'Seeing the suitable _____ for food in the Golden Temple, we were all surprised.'
• Identify the grammatical function of the blank space. Here, it follows an adjective ('suitable') and requires a noun.
• Analyze the context. The Golden Temple serves food to many people, so the noun should be plural to represent multiple items.
• Evaluate the options based on this analysis. 'plates' is the correct plural form of 'plate'.
• Eliminate the incorrect options: 'plate' is singular, 'oblique case' is not a relevant concept for this noun, and 'incorrect spelling' is invalid by definition.
• Confirm that the chosen plural noun 'plates' fits logically and grammatically into the sentence.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Plural forms of countable nouns in English grammar.
• Stem keywords: suitable, for food, Golden Temple, plural word
• Lead-in keywords: best
• Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QSA3FBgzXMDkJm4a_pouLU

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