Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: SLEEP
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Word-class classification can hinge on predominant grammatical use. “Teeth,” “sheep,” and “greed” function primarily as common nouns in neutral contexts (teeth = plural noun; sheep = plural-invariant noun; greed = abstract noun). “Sleep,” however, freely functions both as a noun (get some sleep) and as a verb (I sleep early). Reasoning tests often treat a flexible part-of-speech item as the odd one against items with predominantly nominal usage.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Identify which word exhibits dual major category behavior (noun and verb) in general English usage. With three items strictly nominal and one flexibly nominal/verbal, the latter is the outlier. This retains objectivity and avoids subtle semantic debates about countability or irregular plurals.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute in frames: “to ____” works naturally for sleep; “to teeth/sheep/greed” does not function as standard English without specialized contexts.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Overanalyzing morphological quirks (sheep’s invariant plural) instead of focusing on part-of-speech flexibility.
Final Answer:
SLEEP
Discussion & Comments