Which of the phrases (1), (2), (3) and (4) given below each statement should…
2025
Which of the phrases (1), (2), (3) and (4) given below each statement should be placed in the blank space provided so as to make a meaningful and grammatically correct sentence? If none of the options are appropriate, mark (5) i.e. ‘None of these’ as the answer.
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to control the growing mob culture in the eastern neighborhoods which is taking a toll on the __________________
- A.
poor image of the city in this part of the country.
- B.
otherwise good image of the city in this part of the country.
- C.
neutral image of the city in this part of the country.
- D.
ever changing image of the city in this part of the country.
Attempted by 34 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Answer: the phrase "otherwise good image of the city in this part of the country."
Completed sentence:
It's becoming increasingly difficult to control the growing mob culture in the eastern neighborhoods which is taking a toll on the otherwise good image of the city in this part of the country.
Explanation:
"Taking a toll on" means causing harm or damage to something. The phrase that best completes the sentence should be something that can be harmed or damaged by mob culture.
Why the selected phrase works: "otherwise good image of the city in this part of the country" describes a reputation that was good before; saying mob culture is "taking a toll on" that image clearly expresses that the reputation is being harmed.
Why the other options are less appropriate:
The phrase "poor image of the city in this part of the country." implies the reputation is already bad, so saying mob culture is "taking a toll" on it is less logical—the idiom works better when something was previously positive.
The phrase "neutral image of the city in this part of the country." is awkward because "taking a toll" implies noticeable harm; it pairs better with a reputation that was favourable rather than neutral.
The phrase "ever changing image of the city in this part of the country." describes variability rather than a single reputation that can be damaged, so it does not fit the idiom naturally.