Fill in the blank with the correct option: I asked many people the wa…

The correct answer is Option (1) → none

"None of" with "any":

• None means not one, not any of a group; it is followed by "of them", "of us" and so on.
• Any is used after a negative word, so "none … had any clue" is the usual pattern.
• This sentence:
  • "but" sets up a contrast with "I asked many people";
  • many were asked, yet not one of them knew the way, so the blank takes none.
• Complete sentence: I asked many people the way to the station but none of them had any clue about it.
  Example: We invited ten friends, but none of them could come.

Why the Other Options are Incorrect?

Option 2: some — Incorrect. Some means a certain number of a group.

• In a positive statement English uses "some clue", not "any clue".
• "Some of them had a clue" would leave no contrast after "but".
  Example: Some of the students stayed back after class.

Option 3: few — Incorrect. Few means a small number, hardly any. "Few of them had any clue" can be said, but it would mean that a small number did know the way; "none" gives the full contrast with "many people" that "but" points to.
Example: Few people came to the meeting because of the rain.

Option 4: everyone — Incorrect. Everyone means every person.

• It is not followed by "of them"; "every one of them" would be needed.
• It would contradict the contrast that "but" sets up.
  Example: Everyone in the class passed the test.

Contrast: "few of them" would mean a small number did know the way; "none of them" gives the full contrast with "many people" that "but" points to.