Question

“Army personnel man the border.” What is the meaning of ‘man’ here?
a. A person
b. An army man
c. Be in charge of
d. A strong man.

Answer 1

Hint: The term ‘man’ although usually used as a noun, becomes a verb in this context. We are asked to identify the possible verb meanings of the term.

Complete step-by-step answer:

The given sentence “Army personnel man the border” clearly indicates an activity. Personnel is the noun that we use to refer to the staff employed in an organization or work front, particularly as in the military services. So, the sentence describes an activity by the army personnel and thus ‘man’ takes the verb form.
That being the case, option c becomes the right answer. As said, ‘man’ is used here as a verb. To ‘man, the border’ thereby means to operate. The army personnel is defending the border. Their duty of protecting the national border is indicated by its usage.
Then, we can infer that options a, b, and d are all different definitions for ‘man’ as a noun.
In options b and d, ‘army’ and ‘strong’ are used as adjectives to ‘man’.
‘Army’ in option b defines the job designation of the man, just as we explain police man and hence wrong. Similarly, ‘strong’ in option d defines his physique.

Note: The meaning of the words used depends on their circumstances. A noun can therefore take the function of a verb when needed and vice-versa.