What is the most appropriate word in the given sentence?

Question

The treasure was hidden ______ a big shore.

(a) on (b) underneath (c) toward (d) off

Now, I'm confused between a) on and d) off.

If we use off, it would mean that treasure is near the shore but not ON the shore. It just doesn't feel correct to me. Please give some insights.

All answers except (c) could be correct, depending on where exactly the treasure is hidden. — randomhead, Jul 25, 2021 at 12:26
a big shore is a most unlikely description, given that the shore is the endless strip separating the sea from the land. a big beach would be far more likely. — Ronald Sole, Jul 25, 2021 at 12:33
I understand but what would be the most appropriate answer? I mean I HAVE TO answer the question anyways. — WhySee, Jul 25, 2021 at 12:55

mdewey · Accepted Answer · 2021-07-25 14:31:09Z

1

As pointed out a big shore is a very awkward phrase.

The treasure was hidden on the shore

is syntactically correct but semantically odd as you would normally bury treasure.

The treasure was hidden underneath the shore

that would be correct

The treasure was hidden toward the shore

No, toward implies movement.

The treasure was hidden off the shore

So the pirates went some way off the shore, away from land into the sea to hide the treasure or more plausibly into the land area behind the shore.

answered Jul 25, 2021 at 13:17

mdewey

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In the last case, "off the shore" is not the equivalent of "offshore". It would mean exactly as the questioner postulates: 'somewhere away from the shore, but likely nearby'. It COULD mean "offshore", but it could also mean past the shoreline on land.
– Mark G B
Jul 25, 2021 at 14:26
1

@MarkGB yes, thinking about it a bit more deeply sensible pirates would have gone inland.
– mdewey
Jul 25, 2021 at 14:30
That got a good laugh out of me!
– Mark G B
Jul 25, 2021 at 14:32

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