Directions: A word is followed by three sentences. Select the option that identifies the sentence or sentences in which the word is used correctly.

scarce

(i) During the drought, clean drinking water became scarce in several villages.
(ii) A minor disagreement between the teammates grew into a scarce involving the entire squad.
(iii) Neither child would admit to the scarce for scratching the dining table.

The correct answer is Statement (i) only.

Meaning of the Word:
The word "scarce" is an adjective which means insufficient for the demand, existing in small amounts, or rare and hard to find.

Let us analyze the usage of the word in each sentence:

Statement (i): "During the drought, clean drinking water became scarce in several villages."
• Analysis: Here, "scarce" is used correctly as an adjective to describe the shortage or limited availability of drinking water during a drought. Therefore, statement (i) is correct.

Statement (ii): "A minor disagreement between the teammates grew into a scarce involving the entire squad."
• Analysis: In this sentence, the context requires a noun referring to an argument or fight (such as "scuffle", "quarrel", or "altercation"). Using the adjective "scarce" is grammatically incorrect. Therefore, statement (ii) is incorrect.

Statement (iii): "Neither child would admit to the scarce for scratching the dining table."
• Analysis: Here, the structure requires a noun such as "blame", "fault", or "responsibility" after the article "the". Using "scarce" is grammatically invalid. Therefore, statement (iii) is incorrect.

Hence, the word "scarce" is used correctly only in Statement (i).