Verbal Ability/Word-usage Practice

Verbal Ability/Word-usage 13 / 50

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

A. The committee found it imperative for the organization to stand by its ethical principles, even under duress.
B. Despite facing formidable opposition, the senator resolutely chose to stand her ground on the controversial legislation.
C. The extensive training received will undoubtedly stand him in a good stead during the rigorous selection process.
D. It stands to reason that any significant reform requires a comprehensive understanding of the underlying systemic issues.

The incorrect or inappropriate usage of the word "stand" is in the third option: "The extensive training received will undoubtedly stand him in a good stead during the rigorous selection process."
Why it's wrong:
The standard idiomatic expression is:
"Stand in good stead" (without the article "a") meaning to be useful or advantageous to someone in the future. The article "a" is superfluous in this fixed idiom.
Correct usage: "The extensive training received will undoubtedly stand him in good stead during the rigorous selection process."

← →

Keep Learning?