word-choiceword-usage
Choose the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
Later when asked about his decision he said, "The first rule of sailing is, when you see _______ in trouble, you help him."
Options:
(a) anyone
(b) none
(c) someone
(d) one
My try:- I got confused in options (a) and (c).
Option (c)None can't be used as it doesn't make any sense. Option (d)one can't be used. But I think both the options (a) and (c) make sense.
What about the concise, memorable, and conveniently alliterative expression WHILE YOU WAIT, which is sometimes seen on business signs?
If someone can remember that three-word phrase (and the pictures I've added might help someone do just that), then it might be easier for them to remember how while would be the word that means "during some time interval."
Once you get one half of a confusing pair straight in your mind, the other half pretty much falls into place by default. But if you wanted something more, you could simply imagine the business owner saying:
I can fix this while you wait; you won't pay until I'm done.
The consequences of the economic downturn will certainly affect people's lives in every society.
This version has the least nuance. It just means what it means: the consequences will have some impact on people's lives. It's mildly understated.
The consequences of the economic downturn will certainly impact people's lives in every society.
This version suggests a strong, sudden or negative impact. It's also controversial in some academic circles to use "impact" as a verb. Here, "have an impact" is preferred, but then that means the same as "affect". To capture the nuances of the verb "to impact" and avoid condescending looks and snide comments about usage, consider "have a strong/sudden/negative/... impact".
The consequences of the economic downturn will certainly influence people's lives in every society.
This version means it will have some impact on people, perhaps a very mild one, and more likely a positive one that will only be noticed looking back after a long time. If the effect is measurable, it won't be immediately obvious.
Aside from your main question, semantically, it's the economic downturn itself that will affect people, not the consequences. The effect on people is the consequence of an economic downturn.
Best Answer
The appropriate fill in is governed by the final him. Since it is singular, someone is used.
otherwise,