Verbal Ability/Word-usage Practice

Verbal Ability/Word-usage 9 / 50

Choose the option in which the usage of the word is incorrect or inappropriate: word

A. The committee decided to take the chairman at his word, accepting his assurances regarding the budgetary constraints.
B. The information regarding the policy change disseminated rapidly by the word of mouth among the stakeholders.
C. In a word, the newly proposed legislation aims to streamline bureaucratic processes and enhance public services.
D. From the word go, the research team demonstrated an exceptional aptitude for interdisciplinary collaboration.

The incorrect or inappropriate usage of the word "word" is in the second option: "The information regarding the policy change disseminated rapidly by the word of mouth among the stakeholders."
Why it's wrong:
The standard idiomatic expression is "by word of mouth," which means communicated orally rather than in writing. The definite article "the" is not used in this idiom.
Correct usage: "The information regarding the policy change disseminated rapidly by word of mouth among the stakeholders."

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