Question

Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the phrase ‘by and by’-
a) In ten years
b) Finally
c) Immediately
d) Unexpectedly
e) None of these

Answer 1

Hint: The phrase ‘by and by’ can act as an adverb and indicate something that will happen sometime in the future or after a certain period of time.

Complete answer:
‘By and by’ was derived in the early 16th century and is associated with the French bientot, literally 'okay soon'.
We know the meaning and the origin of the given phrase. Now, let’s look at its usage-
Example- We will buy this beautiful house by and by. Here, we can conclude that ‘X’ and ‘Y’ would buy a beautiful house sometime in the future or after a certain period of time.
Let’s examine the given options-
Option a- ‘In ten years’ refers to a period of ten years or a time span of ten years. It is different in meaning to the above-given phrase. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option b- ‘Finally’ refers to eventually or in the end. It is similar in meaning to the given phrase. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option c- ‘Immediately’ refers to right now or at the moment. It is different in meaning to the given phrase. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option d- ‘Unexpectedly’ refers to unlikely or unforeseen. It is different in meaning to the given phrase. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
So, the correct answer is “Option b”.

Note:
Carefully read the meaning of the given phrase and understand its usage before choosing the most suitable option. Some commonly used synonyms of ‘by and by’ are ultimately, eventually, etc.