Question

Choose the most suitable option.
A _ _ _ _ of thieves.

a) Crowd
b) Herd
c) Gang
d) Litter

Answer 1

Hint: The blank must be filled by a collective noun. The collective noun is not specific to a group of thieves but can be used to describe them.

Complete answer:

Option a “crowd” refers to a large group of people gathered at one place in a disorganized way. For e.g. people at the Dussehra ground or people at a railway station. This is not the collective noun for a group of thieves. Thus, option ‘a’ is incorrect.
Option b “herd” is a collective used for a large group of animals that feed, live and move together. For e.g., ‘Herds of sheep on the read is a common sight in the mountains.’ This is not the collective noun required for a group of thieves. Thus, option ‘b’ is incorrect.
Option c “gang” refers to an organized group of criminals. Thieves are criminals too. Thus, this is a collective noun of thieves. For example, ‘Police caught all the members of the gang of thieves which escaped last night after theft at the bank.’ Therefore, option ‘c’ is the correct collective noun for a group of thieves.
Option d “litter” refers to trash, such a paper, cans, bottles, etc. lying in public. This is not the correct collective noun for a group of thieves. Thus, option ‘d’ is incorrect.

So, the correct answer is “Option c”.

Note: Crowd cannot be used for a group of thieves, as a crowd is disorganized whereas a gang is an organized group of criminals.