Fill in the blanks with the correct set of words, from the given options:-
He _________ the fireworks in such a way that they would ----------- at exactly 7pm.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → set up, set off
A phrasal verb is a verb joined with a small word such as up, out or together. The two words together have a new meaning.
- Set up means to arrange or prepare something so that it is ready for use. He arranged the fireworks in a particular way.
Example: The workers set up the stage before the show. - Set off (said of fireworks or a bomb) means to explode, or to make something explode. The fireworks were arranged so that they would go off at 7 p.m. sharp.
Example: The children set off crackers on Diwali night.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: set in, set out — Incorrect.
- Set in means to begin and seem likely to continue (said of bad weather or a feeling). One cannot "set in" fireworks.
- Set out means to begin a journey, or to arrange things for display. Fireworks do not "set out".
Example: The monsoon has set in early this year.
Option 2: set up, set aside — Incorrect. The first phrase fits, but set aside means to keep something for a special purpose. It does not mean to explode.
Example: She sets aside some money every month.
Option 4: set off , set on — Incorrect.
- "Set off" in the first blank would mean that he exploded the fireworks himself, which clashes with "in such a way that they would ... at exactly 7pm".
- Set on means to attack, or to make an animal attack someone.
Example: The farmer set his dogs on the thieves.
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