Select the correct meaning of the underlined phrasal verb : Who can say what will turn up next ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The phrasal verb "turn up" in the context of the sentence "Who can say what will turn up next?" is correctly interpreted as "happen," which is Option 4. Here's a detailed explanation supporting this choice:

1. **Explanation for Option 4 (happen):**
   - The phrase "turn up" is commonly used to describe something that occurs or appears unexpectedly. In the context of the sentence, it suggests the emergence or occurrence of something in the future that is currently unknown or unpredictable. Therefore, "happen" is the most fitting interpretation, as it aligns with the idea of an event or situation coming to pass.

2. **Why Option 1 (remember) is incorrect:**
   - "Remember" refers to the act of recalling information from memory. The phrase "turn up" does not imply any action related to memory or recollection. Therefore, this option does not fit the context of the sentence, which is about future events or occurrences.

3. **Why Option 2 (divide) is incorrect:**
   - "Divide" means to separate or split something into parts. The phrasal verb "turn up" does not convey any notion of division or separation. It is unrelated to the context of the sentence, which is about the emergence of future events.

4. **Why Option 3 (end) is incorrect:**
   - "End" refers to the conclusion or termination of something. The phrase "turn up" does not suggest an ending or conclusion. Instead, it implies the appearance or occurrence of something new or unexpected, making "end" an unsuitable interpretation in this context.

In summary, the correct interpretation of "turn up" as "happen" (Option 4) is supported by its common usage to describe unexpected occurrences or events, which aligns perfectly with the context of the sentence. The other options do not match the meaning or context of "turn up" in this scenario.