After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation…

Analyze the question

The sentence is: "We are surpassed in numerical strength." You are asked what this means about "we."

Explain the concept

"Surpassed" means "exceeded" or "outdone." If we are surpassed in numerical strength, someone else is greater than us in numbers. "Numerical strength" refers to headcount, meaning how many people are on each side. It does not refer to physical power or skill.

Step-by-step solution

1. Subject: "we" (passive voice, so "we" receive the action). The other group surpasses us.
2. "Surpassed in numerical strength" means that they have more people than we do.
3. So we have fewer people than they do.

Now check the options:

• A. more than they are: Wrong. This reverses the meaning.
• B. by far stronger than they: Wrong. It says we are stronger, and "stronger" is not the same as "more numerous."
• C. much weaker than they: Close but wrong. "Weaker" suggests general strength, while the sentence only talks about numbers. "Much" is also not stated.
• D. fewer than they are: Correct. It matches "surpassed in numerical strength" exactly, since we are fewer in number.

Answer: D

Exam tip

Convert passive sentences to active ones to see the meaning clearly. "We are surpassed in numbers" becomes "They surpass us in numbers," which means they are more and we are fewer. Also watch for options like C that sound right but change the idea from "number" to "general strength."