In the following question, from the four alternatives, select the option that is appropriate for the blank space.
He was ........................... for two days, so he fainted and fell.

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

Explanation

The sentence requires an adjective to describe the state of the subject, "He.".
The verb "was" is a linking verb, which connects the subject to a descriptive word (a subject complement).
Adjectives function as subject complements. "Hungry" is the correct adjective to describe someone who has not eaten for two days, leading to fainting.

Option B: This is an adverbial phrase that describes how an action is performed, not a state of being.
Option C: This is a noun, which is the name of a feeling or state. It cannot directly follow the linking verb 'was' to describe the subject in this grammatical structure.
Option D: This is an adjective, but it means 'safe or fit to be eaten.' It describes objects (usually food), not a person's physical state or feeling.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Adjective usage after linking verbs as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Clear and grammatically correct communication is essential in all professions, including nursing, to avoid misunderstandings in patient care, documentation, and team collaboration.
In nursing documentation, using the correct part of speech is critical. For example, documenting 'The patient was hungry' (adjective) is a clear observation, whereas 'The patient was hunger' (noun) is grammatically incorrect and unprofessional.
What if the sentence was 'He worked...'? In that case, an adverb like 'hard' or a phrase like 'with all his might' would be appropriate to describe the action of working, not the state of being.

How to Approach the Question

First, read the sentence carefully to understand its meaning: 'He was ........................... for two days, so he fainted and fell.'
Identify the verb before the blank space, which is 'was'. Recognize that 'was' is a linking verb (a form of 'to be').
Recall the grammatical rule that linking verbs are followed by an adjective that describes the subject ('He').
Examine the options: 'hungry' (adjective), 'with all might' (adverbial phrase), 'hunger' (noun), 'edible' (adjective).
Eliminate the options that are not adjectives or do not fit grammatically: 'hunger' (noun) and 'with all might' (phrase).
Compare the remaining adjectives, 'hungry' and 'edible'. Choose the one that logically describes a person who has not eaten and subsequently fainted. 'Edible' means 'fit to be eaten' and is incorrect. 'Hungry' is the logical and grammatical choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

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