Verbal Ability/Word-usage Practice

Verbal Ability/Word-usage 20 / 50

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

A. The experienced negotiator managed to gain the upper hand in the final stages of the complex discussions, securing favorable terms.
B. The ancient manuscript was painstakingly transcribed by the hand, a testament to the scribe's meticulous dedication.
C. Despite initial difficulties, the project manager ensured that the burgeoning chaos was firmly in hand, restoring order and progress.
D. With the deadline imminent, the additional resources needed for the final report were fortunately close to hand.

The incorrect or inappropriate usage of the word "hand" is in option B: "The ancient manuscript was painstakingly transcribed by the hand, a testament to the scribe's meticulous dedication."
Why it's wrong:
The standard idiomatic expression meaning 'done manually, without the use of machinery' is "by hand," without the definite article "the." Including "the" before "hand" in this context is grammatically incorrect and alters the established idiom.
Correct usage: "The ancient manuscript was painstakingly transcribed by hand, a testament to the scribe's meticulous dedication."

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