Directions : Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow by selecting the correct/most appropriate options :
The very nature of the mind is restlessness. It cannot stay at one place or hold one thought for long. For every thought that appears, there are comments, judgements and associations. Thinking is a continuous activity with the mind jumping from one thought to another from morning till night. Like clouds in the sky or waves in the ocean, thoughts appear and disappear as if in ceaseless activity.
However, all thoughts that pass through our mind do not affect us. But we get affected when our ego is hit. Then the mind whirls and creates a tornado of restlessness within. A variety of probable scenarios crop up ‘how dare he insult me; what does she think of herself ? Where I am not respected, I will not go; if he speaks thus, I will reply so’. And so it goes on and on.
We have an inbuilt filter in our mind which chooses the types of thoughts or subjects that we like to brood upon. We are not born with this filter but we acquire it over the years with the kind of books we read, the company we keep and the subjects we are interested in.
That is why some people are obsessed with football, cricket or fashion while others could not care less for such things. This filter is built day by day by our actions, suggestions, teachings and influence of others. We can ultimately choose our own filter. So let us learn to build our filter wisely and strengthen it daily.
Which part of speech is the underlined word in the following expression ?
‘It cannot stay at one place.’
Correct Answer :
Determiner
Solution :
The correct answer is Determiner.
Explanation:
In the given sentence: ‘It cannot stay at one place.’
The word ‘one’ comes directly before the noun ‘place’ to clarify or limit its meaning by specifying a quantity/particularity (functioning as a numeral determiner / modifier of the noun).
Let us analyze the given options:
1. Determiner: Words placed before a noun to clarify or quantify the noun are called determiners. Here, ‘one’ modifies the noun ‘place’ by telling how many places. Hence, it functions as a determiner (specifically a cardinal numeral determiner).
2. Pronoun: A pronoun replaces a noun entirely (e.g., "One must do one's duty"). Here, ‘one’ is followed by the noun ‘place’, so it is modifying the noun, not replacing it.
3. Particle: A particle is a word that does not change form and typically functions as part of a phrasal verb or preposition (e.g., ‘up’, ‘off’). ‘One’ is not a particle here.
4. Adverb: An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. ‘One’ is modifying the noun ‘place’, so it is not an adverb.
Therefore, the underlined word ‘one’ is a Determiner.
Access expert-curated educational resources and study materials—completely free.
Create, conduct, and manage professional online assessments with Mindyard. Perfect for teachers and institutes.
Copyright © 2026 Mindyard. All Rights Reserved.
