Question

The engagement party was cancelled as ........................ people were against the marriage.
(Choose the correct option)

• A. some
• B. the some
• C. little
• D. the few

Hint:

Remember the difference: \begin{itemize} \item \textbf{A few} (positive): A small number exists. ("I have a few friends.") \item \textbf{Few} (negative): Not many, almost none. ("Few people attended.") \item \textbf{The few} (specific): The small number that exists is being specifically referred to. ("The few friends I have are very loyal.") \end{itemize} Similarly for \textbf{a little}, \textbf{little}, and \textbf{the little} with uncountable nouns.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests the use of determiners (quantifiers) like 'some', 'little', and 'few'. The choice depends on whether the noun is countable or uncountable and the specific meaning intended in the context.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Analyze the Noun: The noun is "people," which is a countable noun. This immediately eliminates "little," which is used for uncountable nouns (e.g., little water, little time).
2. Analyze the Context: The sentence implies that the opposition of a specific group of people was the reason for the cancellation. The cancellation suggests that their number, though small, was significant.
3. Evaluate the Options:
- (A) some: "some people" is general and indefinite.
- (B) the some: This is grammatically incorrect. "The" is not used with "some" in this way.
- (C) little: Incorrect, as "people" is a countable noun.
- (D) the few: This refers to a small number of people, but implies that this specific small group.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The most appropriate option is (A) "some," as it points to a specific, small group of people whose opinion was decisive.