In each question below, a word is given followed by

Solution

Sentence 1 uses usher correctly. “Usher in” is an established phrasal verb meaning to mark the beginning of something new or to introduce a new phase — here used correctly to describe a verdict initiating a new era of corporate accountability.  Sentence 2 uses usher correctly as a noun — an usher is a person who escorts or guides others in a formal or official capacity. The sentence correctly uses “usher” as a professional title for someone who served senior officials.  Sentence 3 uses usher correctly. “Usher through” means to guide or steer something — typically legislation or policy — to passage or completion. The sentence correctly describes steering a framework through Parliament.  Sentence 4 uses usher incorrectly. “Ushered considerable alarm” is not an established usage of the word. Usher requires a direct object that is a thing being introduced, guided, or initiated — typically an era, person, or process. “Alarm” is an emotional state or response, not something that can be ushered in the transitive sense used here. The grammatically and contextually correct verb here would be “generated” or “prompted.”  Hence (C) Only 1, 2 and 3 is the correct answer.