Question

Replace the underlined phrase using an appropriate collective noun:
We had to cross a number of houses in order to reach the shopping complex.

• A. row of houses
• B. string of houses
• C. line of houses
• D. file of houses

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

row of houses

The collective noun used for 'a number of houses' is 'row' or 'huddle'. Hence, the most appropriate phrase which can replace the underlined phrase is 'row of houses' as given in option A.

'String' is a collection used to describe a number of pearls or ducks or ponies. 'Line' is a collective noun for kings or rulers. 'File' is a collection of data used in computer programming. Options B, C and D are incorrect as 'string', 'line' and 'file' are not the appropriate collective nouns which can describe 'a number of houses'.