Question

Fill in the blank with the suitable collective noun:

I am unable to locate my new ______ of school shoes.

a)Comb
b)Pair
c)Set
d)Flight

Answer 1

Hint: Collective nouns are words which are used for a group of 2 or more numbers of people, animals or things. For e.g. ‘bunch of roses.’

Complete step-by-step answer:

Option a “comb” is a plastic, metal, or wooden strip with narrow teeth and is used for detangling hair. It is not related to shoes in any way and is a collective noun for honey. Thus, option ‘a’ is incorrect.

Option b “pair” is a collective noun used for a group of 2 things. For e.g., ‘a pair of scissors’ or ‘a pair of jeans’. Shoes are 2 in number and therefore they make a pair. Option ‘b’ is correct.

Option c “set” is a collective noun but it is used for more than 2 things. For e.g., ‘mug set’ or ‘set of colours’. This is invalid here and therefore option ‘c’ is incorrect.

Option d “flight” is an action or process of flying through air. It is unrelated to shoes and is a collective noun for aircrafts or birds. Thus, option ‘d’ is incorrect.


Note: Do not get confused between “set” and “pair”. Pair is a collective noun specific for a group of two while the former is used for a group of more than two.