Some-Some Particular
Some-Some Particular syllogism involves two particular positive statements: 'Some A are B' and 'Some B are C'. These statements do NOT guarantee any definite conclusion about the relationship between A and C because the overlapping portions of B with A and C may be different. These problems test your understanding of when conclusions are NOT valid.
What You'll Learn
Introduction to Some-Some Particular
Some-Some Particular syllogism involves two particular positive statements: 'Some A are B' and 'Some B are C'. These statements do NOT guarantee any definite conclusion about the relationship between A and C because the overlapping portions of B with A and C may be different. These problems test your understanding of when conclusions are NOT valid.
Prerequisites
How to Solve Some-Some Particular Problems
Step 1: Identify the three terms in the syllogism
Step 2: Draw three overlapping circles representing the three terms
Step 3: Represent 'Some A are B' by placing an 'X' in the overlapping region of A and B
Step 4: Represent 'Some B are C' by placing an 'X' in the overlapping region of B and C
Step 5: Observe that the two X's could be in different parts of B
Step 6: The X from A∩B might not be in C, and the X from B∩C might not be in A
Step 7: Therefore, no definite conclusion about A and C can be drawn
Example Problem
Example: Statements: Some fruits are sweet. Some sweet things are red. Conclusions: I. Some fruits are red. II. No fruit is red. Solution: Step 1: Terms: fruits (A), sweet things (B), red things (C) Step 2: Draw Venn diagram Step 3: 'Some fruits are sweet' → place X in A∩B Step 4: 'Some sweet things are red' → place X in B∩C Step 5: These X's could be the same or different - we don't know Step 6: It's possible that some fruits are red (if X's coincide), but also possible that no fruit is red (if X's are different) Step 7: Therefore, neither conclusion I nor II is definitely true Answer: Neither conclusion I nor II follows
Pro Tips & Tricks
- Memorize: I + I → No definite conclusion
- The middle term (B) is not distributed in either premise (both are particular statements)
- Draw two possible Venn diagrams: one where the X's overlap (giving 'Some A are C') and one where they don't (giving 'No A are C')
- If both possibilities exist, no conclusion is definite
- The only time I+I yields a conclusion is in complementary pair situations (Either-Or)
- This pattern teaches you when to answer 'Neither follows'
Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Practice Worksheets
Practice makes perfect! Work through these worksheets to master Some-Some Particular. Each worksheet contains 20 questions with detailed explanations. Start from Worksheet 1 and progress through increasing difficulty levels.
Exam Importance
Some-Some Particular is an important topic for various competitive exams. Here's how frequently it appears:
Ready to Master Some-Some Particular?
Start with Worksheet 1 and work your way up to expert level! Each worksheet includes: