In the following sentence completion question, choose the most appropriate phrase so that the sentence correctly describes communication among many students: "The scheme allows students from different countries to communicate __________."

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: with one another

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This sentence completion question tests your understanding of reflexive and reciprocal pronouns and the correct prepositional phrase used when many people are communicating among themselves. The sentence talks about students from different countries, so more than two people are involved. You must choose the phrase that best reflects this reciprocal communication.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Sentence: "The scheme allows students from different countries to communicate __________."
  • The subject "students from different countries" is clearly plural and usually more than two.
  • We expect a phrase that shows people communicating with each other.
  • The options offer different pronoun and preposition combinations.


Concept / Approach:
For reciprocal actions involving more than two persons, English uses "one another" and "each other." "Communicate with one another" is a very common phrase meaning that everyone in the group can talk to everyone else. The preposition "with" is necessary after "communicate" when it takes a human object. Therefore, "with one another" is both grammatically complete and semantically accurate in this context.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the action is reciprocal communication among many students. Step 2: Recall that the verb "communicate" usually takes the preposition "with" before the person or group involved. Step 3: Select a phrase that includes both the preposition "with" and a reciprocal pronoun: "with one another." Step 4: Insert it into the sentence: "The scheme allows students from different countries to communicate with one another." Step 5: Check that the completed sentence sounds natural and clearly describes two way communication among many students.


Verification / Alternative check:
Consider each alternative. "Each other" could work with the preposition "with" as "with each other," but the option here lacks "with." "With each others" is ungrammatical because "others" should not be plural in this expression. "Themselves" would make the sentence "communicate themselves," which is incorrect and does not show mutual communication. Only "with one another" fits all grammatical and semantic requirements.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • each other: Missing the necessary preposition "with"; the natural phrase would be "communicate with each other."
  • with each others: Uses the plural "others" incorrectly; the correct reciprocal form is "each other" without an s.
  • themselves: Forms "communicate themselves," which is wrong because "communicate" in this sense is not reflexive but reciprocal.


Common Pitfalls:
Learners often confuse reflexive pronouns like "themselves" with reciprocal expressions such as "each other" and "one another." Another common issue is forgetting the preposition that many verbs require. To avoid such errors, remember typical patterns like "talk to," "speak with," and "communicate with one another," and mentally test the completed sentence for naturalness in everyday English.


Final Answer:
The correct phrase is with one another, giving the sentence: The scheme allows students from different countries to communicate with one another.

More Questions from English

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion