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Prepositions — Part of Speech | MaargX UPSC | Rules, Examples & Practice Questions

A MaargX UPSC Complete Grammar Guide | Rules, Examples & Practice Questions

A preposition is a word (or group of words) that establishes a relationship between a noun or pronoun (its object) and some other element in the sentence. That relationship may be one of place, time, direction, manner, cause, possession, purpose, or association. Prepositions are invariable — they do not inflect for number, gender, or tense. They always govern a noun phrase, a pronoun in the objective case, a gerund, or a noun clause.

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📖 SECTION 1: COMPLETE CONCEPT EXPLANATION

1.1 What Is a Preposition?

A preposition is a word (or group of words) that establishes a relationship between a noun or pronoun (its object) and some other element in the sentence. That relationship may be one of place, time, direction, manner, cause, possession, purpose, or association. Prepositions are invariable — they do not inflect for number, gender, or tense. They always govern a noun phrase, a pronoun in the objective case, a gerund, or a noun clause.

Formal definition: A preposition is a function word placed before a substantive (noun, pronoun, gerund, or noun clause) to form a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, adjective, or another noun in the sentence.

1.2 Structure of a Prepositional Phrase

A prepositional phrase = Preposition + Optional Modifier(s) + Object (noun/pronoun/gerund/noun clause)

  • She sat [on] [the old wooden bench]. → on = preposition; the old wooden bench = object
  • He is tired [of] [waiting]. → of = preposition; waiting (gerund) = object
  • I heard [about] [what happened]. → about = preposition; what happened (noun clause) = object

1.3 Classification of Prepositions

A. By Form

TypeDescriptionExamples
Simple PrepositionsSingle-word prepositionsat, in, on, to, by, for, of, up, off, out, over, with, from, into, onto, upon, under, near, past, since, till, until, through, throughout, between, among, behind, before, after, above, below, beside, beyond, within, without, except, despite, per, via, like, unlike, pending, concerning, regarding, during, across, along, around, about, against, amid, down
Compound PrepositionsFormed by prefixing a/be to a noun, adjective or adverbabout, above, across, along, around, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, besides, between, beyond, inside, outside, without, within, underneath, throughout
Complex (Phrasal) PrepositionsTwo or more words functioning as one prepositionin front of, on behalf of, in spite of, by means of, in accordance with, with regard to, as a result of, on account of, by virtue of, in lieu of, for the sake of, in addition to, in place of, with respect to, at the cost of, in the case of, by dint of
Participial PrepositionsPresent or past participles used as prepositionsconsidering, regarding, concerning, respecting, notwithstanding, given, granted, excepting, pending, including, excluding, following, assuming, barring
Disguised (Contracted) PrepositionsPrepositions reduced or merged historicallya- (=on): abed, asleep, abroad; o'clock (=of the clock); a-hunting (=on hunting)

B. By Meaning / Semantic Function

Semantic TypePrepositionsExample Sentence
Place / Positionat, in, on, under, above, below, beside, near, between, among, behind, in front of, inside, outside, over, beneath, throughout, within, at the top ofThe keys are on the table.
Direction / Movementto, into, onto, toward(s), through, across, along, up, down, past, around, out of, offShe walked into the room.
Timeat, in, on, by, before, after, since, for, during, until/till, within, throughout, from…to, between…and, at the time of, in the course ofHe arrived at noon.
Cause / Reasonbecause of, due to, owing to, on account of, for, out of, from, through, by reason ofShe wept for joy.
Purposefor, to, in order to (when followed by noun), with a view to, for the sake of, with the purpose ofHe trained for the marathon.
Mannerby, with, in, like, unlike, after, after the manner of, by means of, by way ofShe spoke with clarity.
Possession / Associationof, with, in possession ofThe edge of the cliff was sharp.
Concessiondespite, in spite of, notwithstanding, for all, with allDespite the rain, they played.
AgentbyThe novel was written by Orwell.
Measure / Rateat, by, for, per, toPetrol is priced at Rs. 100 per litre.
Material / Compositionof, from, out ofThe statue is made of marble.
Standard / Comparisonlike, unlike, as, compared to/withShe sings like an angel.
Exceptionexcept (for), but, besides, apart from, save, excluding, other than, barringAll students attended except Rohan.
Instrument / Meanswith, by, through, via, by means of, perShe cut the bread with a knife.
Origin / Sourcefrom, out of, ofHe comes from Jaipur.

1.4 Rules of Preposition Usage

See Section 2 — Grammar Rules for all 20 rules with full examples.

1.5 Common Errors — Correct vs. Incorrect

See Section 3 — Common Errors below.

1.6 Memory Tricks & Mnemonics

  • AT–IN–ON for TIME: Think of a ZOOM lens. AT is the sharpest focus (exact point). IN is wider (month, year, part of day). ON is medium (specific day/date).
  • SINCE vs. FOR: SINCE = a calendar Point (since Monday / since 2019). FOR = a duration Figure (for 3 days / for years). 'P' in Point matches 'P' in 'Since Pin-points'.
  • BETWEEN vs. AMONG: BETWEEN = 'tween' (two). AMONG = 'amassed group'. If you can name them individually, use BETWEEN even if there are three.
  • DUE TO vs. BECAUSE OF: Replace with 'caused by'. If it sounds right AND follows a linking verb, use DUE TO. If it follows an action verb, use BECAUSE OF.
  • BESIDE vs. BESIDES: BESIDE = 'by the side'. BESIDES = 'besides everything else, add more'. The extra 'S' in BESIDES = 'something extra'.
  • IN TIME vs. ON TIME: IN time = 'in the nick of time' (just about managed). ON time = 'on the dot of the clock' (punctual to the second).
  • OVER vs. ABOVE (numbers): OVER a number = more than (over 100 people). ABOVE a level = higher than a threshold on a scale (above 40°C). Use OVER for count, ABOVE for scale.
  • TO + GERUND phrases — LOOK: Look forward TO, object TO, be used TO, be accustomed TO — all take GERUND. Trick: 'TO' in these is glued to the verb before it, not reaching forward to an infinitive.

1.7 Key Adjective / Verb + Preposition Collocations

StructurePrepositionExample
angrywith (person) / at (thing/situation)He is angry with her. / She is angry at the delay.
afraid / scared / terrified / ashamed / tired / proud / fond / capable / guilty / aware / confident / jealous / suspiciousofShe is proud of her achievements.
interested / absorbed / engrossed / engaged / involved / experienced / skilledinHe is interested in history.
married / committed / attached / addicted / dedicated / devoted / opposed / accustomed / usedtoShe is married to a surgeon.
happy / satisfied / pleased / disappointed / familiar / concerned / obsessed / boredwithHe is satisfied with the results.
surprised / astonished / amazed / annoyed / alarmed / shocked / delighted / puzzledat / byShe was surprised at the news.
good / bad / excellent / proficient / skilled / talented / clever / hopelessatHe is good at mathematics.
superior / inferior / junior / senior / prior / subsequent / preferable / equivalenttoQuality is superior to quantity.
eligible / responsible / suitable / ready / famous / notorious / praised / criticisedforShe is eligible for the scholarship.
differ / distinguish / separatefromHis view differs from mine.
aim / look / care / long / wait / call / apply / searchforShe applied for the position.
suffer / die / result / smell / tastefrom / ofHe suffers from anxiety. / She died of cancer.
📌 SECTION 2: GRAMMAR RULES
RULE 1: A preposition must always have an OBJECT. The object is a noun, pronoun (objective case), gerund, or noun clause — never an adjective, adverb, or finite verb.
Ex. 1 He is interested in painting. (gerund as object — CORRECT)
Ex. 2 She relied on him, not he. (objective pronoun 'him' as object — CORRECT)
Ex. 3 I am worried about what she said. (noun clause as object — CORRECT)
RULE 2: When a preposition governs a PRONOUN, the pronoun must be in the OBJECTIVE (accusative) case: me, him, her, us, them, whom — never I, he, she, we, they, who.
Ex. 1 Between you and me, this is a secret. (NOT: between you and I)
Ex. 2 The award was given to her and him. (NOT: to she and he)
Ex. 3 To whom did you address the letter? (NOT: to who)
RULE 3: A GERUND (verb + -ing used as a noun), NOT an infinitive, must follow a preposition.
Ex. 1 She is good at playing chess. (NOT: at to play chess)
Ex. 2 He insisted on receiving an apology. (NOT: on to receive)
Ex. 3 We look forward to meeting you. (NOT: to meet you — here 'to' is preposition, not infinitive marker)
RULE 4: Use IN for months, years, seasons, centuries, long periods, countries, cities, and enclosed spaces. Use AT for precise points of time, addresses (with number), and small places/villages. Use ON for specific days, dates, surfaces, and streets (without house number).
Ex. 1 She was born in July 1998, on a Friday, at 6 a.m. in a hospital in Jaipur.
Ex. 2 He lives on Park Street / at 14 Park Street. (street vs. full address)
Ex. 3 In summer, we travel; on holidays, we rest; at midnight, we celebrate.
RULE 5: Use SINCE for a point of time with perfect tenses. Use FOR for a duration of time. Never interchange them.
Ex. 1 She has lived here since 2010. (point — NOT: for 2010)
Ex. 2 He has been ill for three weeks. (duration — NOT: since three weeks)
Ex. 3 I had not eaten since morning, and I was hungry for hours.
RULE 6: BETWEEN is used for two persons/things (or items enumerated individually). AMONG is used for more than two, treated collectively.
Ex. 1 Divide the task between Ravi and Meena. (two persons)
Ex. 2 The prize was shared among the five finalists. (collective group > 2)
Ex. 3 Between you, him, and me, nobody knows the answer. (individually listed, even if three)
RULE 7: BY is used to indicate the agent in a passive sentence, the means of transport (without article: by bus/train), and deadline (by + time). Use WITH for the instrument or tool used.
Ex. 1 The letter was written by the manager with a fountain pen. (agent = by; instrument = with)
Ex. 2 He travels to work by metro every day. (mode of transport — no article)
Ex. 3 Please submit the report by Friday. (deadline)
RULE 8: BESIDE means 'at the side of / next to'. BESIDES means 'in addition to' or 'moreover'. These are NOT interchangeable.
Ex. 1 She sat beside her mother during the ceremony. (next to)
Ex. 2 Besides English, she speaks three other languages. (in addition to)
Ex. 3 No one, besides the principal, was informed. (in addition to — functions as preposition here)
RULE 9: DUE TO modifies a noun and follows a linking verb (is/was/are). BECAUSE OF modifies a verb or clause. They are NOT freely interchangeable in formal writing.
Ex. 1 The cancellation was due to heavy rain. (modifies noun 'cancellation' via linking verb)
Ex. 2 The match was cancelled because of heavy rain. (modifies verb 'was cancelled')
Ex. 3 His success is due to hard work. (linking verb + noun phrase — CORRECT use of 'due to')
RULE 10: EXCEPT means 'not including'. EXCEPT FOR means 'apart from' and is often used when the exception contrasts with an otherwise complete situation. Do not confuse either with ACCEPT.
Ex. 1 All students passed except Rohan. (simple exclusion from the set)
Ex. 2 The house was beautiful, except for the cracked roof. (contrasting exception to an overall statement)
Ex. 3 Everyone attended the meeting except the CEO. (NOT: accept the CEO — 'accept' is a verb, not a preposition)
RULE 11: Prepositions of TIME: AT (exact time/age/night), IN (month/year/season/part of day — morning/afternoon/evening), ON (day/date). Exception: at night (NOT in the night in most standard usage).
Ex. 1 She woke up at 5 a.m., in the morning, on a Monday in March 2024.
Ex. 2 The child started reading at the age of five. (NOT: in/on the age)
Ex. 3 We work in the morning but rest at night. (NOT: in night)
RULE 12: Ending a sentence with a preposition is GRAMMATICALLY ACCEPTABLE in standard modern English, particularly when rearranging would produce an awkward or unnatural construction.
Ex. 1 This is the book I was telling you about. (natural — preferred over 'about which I was telling you')
Ex. 2 Who are you waiting for? (preferred over 'For whom are you waiting?' in informal contexts)
Ex. 3 She had no one to talk to. (preposition at end — fully standard)
RULE 13: DURING indicates an unspecified point within a period (when). FOR indicates the entire length of a period (how long). They answer different questions.
Ex. 1 The lights went out during the storm. (at some point within the storm — answers: when?)
Ex. 2 The lights were off for three hours. (total duration — answers: how long?)
Ex. 3 He slept during the lecture but studied for six hours after it.
RULE 14: OVER and ABOVE both indicate a position higher than something, but OVER implies directly above (and may suggest covering), while ABOVE indicates higher level without contact. OVER is used with numbers meaning 'more than'; ABOVE means 'higher than a point on a scale'.
Ex. 1 She placed a blanket over the sleeping child. (covering — use OVER)
Ex. 2 The temperature rose above 40 degrees Celsius. (on a scale — use ABOVE)
Ex. 3 There were over 500 people at the venue. (quantity more than — use OVER, not ABOVE)
RULE 15: PARTICIPIAL PREPOSITIONS — words that look like present participles but function as prepositions — do NOT need a grammatical subject in the main clause. They govern a noun phrase directly.
Ex. 1 Considering the circumstances, the decision was fair. (considering = participial preposition, not a dangling modifier)
Ex. 2 Regarding your application, we need more documents. (regarding governs 'your application')
Ex. 3 Notwithstanding the objections, the bill was passed. (notwithstanding = despite, used as preposition)
RULE 16: WITH REGARD TO, IN REGARD TO, and AS REGARDS are prepositional phrases meaning 'concerning'. REGARDS (plural, no preposition) is used only in greetings. Never write 'in regards to'.
Ex. 1 With regard to your query, we shall respond shortly. (CORRECT)
Ex. 2 In regards to your application — INCORRECT; use 'With regard to' or 'Regarding'
Ex. 3 As regards the new policy, the management has not yet decided. (CORRECT — no 'to' after 'regards' here)
RULE 17: TO (as a preposition) is followed by a gerund in certain fixed phrases: look forward to, object to, be used to, be accustomed to, confess to, resort to, be committed to, be dedicated to, be opposed to.
Ex. 1 I look forward to hearing from you. (NOT: to hear — 'to' here is a preposition)
Ex. 2 She is not used to working night shifts. (NOT: to work — preposition governs gerund)
Ex. 3 He objected to the committee's rejecting his proposal. (gerund phrase as object of 'to')
RULE 18: IN TIME means 'early enough / not late'. ON TIME means 'punctually, according to schedule'. These are not synonymous.
Ex. 1 We arrived in time to catch the last train. (early enough — emphasises sufficiency)
Ex. 2 The flight departed on time. (exactly on schedule — emphasises punctuality)
Ex. 3 She finished the report in time, and it was delivered on time.
RULE 19: IN THE END means 'finally, after a long process'. AT THE END means 'at the final point/position (of something)'. Never mix these.
Ex. 1 In the end, they decided to accept the offer. (after deliberation — means 'finally')
Ex. 2 There is a summary at the end of each chapter. (positional — final location)
Ex. 3 At the end of the film, the hero wins; but in the end, such films always feel predictable.
RULE 20: COMPLEX (PHRASAL) PREPOSITIONS act as single units and must be used without omitting or substituting internal words. Errors arise from replacing or dropping their components.
Ex. 1 In spite of his fatigue, he ran the final kilometre. (NOT: despite of — 'despite' is simple; 'in spite of' is complex)
Ex. 2 On behalf of the entire team, I thank you. (NOT: on behalf — must include 'of')
Ex. 3 By virtue of her expertise, she was appointed director. (NOT: by virtue — must include 'of')
⚠️ SECTION 3: COMMON ERRORS — CORRECT vs. INCORRECT
✗ INCORRECT✓ CORRECT
He is fond of to play cricket.He is fond of playing cricket.
She has been living here since five years.She has been living here for five years.
The book is written by blue ink.The book is written in blue ink.
He is married with a doctor.He is married to a doctor.
She is superior than him.She is superior to him.
He jumped in the pool.He jumped into the pool. (entry/movement)
I reached to the station.I reached the station. (no preposition needed)
She is angry on me.She is angry with me. / She is angry at me.
Between the three candidates, Ali is best.Among the three candidates, Ali is best.
He died with fever.He died of fever.
In regards to your application…With regard to your application… / Regarding your application…
Despite of the rain, we went.Despite the rain, we went. (despite = simple preposition, no 'of')
He is suffering with cold.He is suffering from cold.
She works at the morning.She works in the morning.
📋 SECTION 4: RULES SUMMARY — QUICK REVISION REFERENCE

All 20 rules consolidated for rapid review. Each rule is stated boldly with one sharp example.

  1. 1
    A preposition must always have an object (noun, pronoun in objective case, gerund, or noun clause). She is tired of waiting.
  2. 2
    A pronoun after a preposition must be in the objective case (me/him/her/us/them/whom). Between you and me, not 'between you and I'.
  3. 3
    A gerund (verb+-ing), not an infinitive, follows a preposition. She is good at playing, not 'at to play'.
  4. 4
    IN (month/year/season/enclosed space), AT (exact time/address/small place), ON (day/date/surface/street). Born in July, on a Friday, at 6 a.m.
  5. 5
    SINCE for a point of time (with perfect tenses); FOR for a duration of time. Since 2010 / For three years.
  6. 6
    BETWEEN for two (or items named individually); AMONG for a collective group of more than two. Between Ravi and Meena / Among the five finalists.
  7. 7
    BY for agent (passive) and mode of transport (no article); WITH for instrument or tool. Written by her / Cut with a knife / Travel by bus.
  8. 8
    BESIDE = next to/at the side of; BESIDES = in addition to. Sat beside her / Besides English, she knows French.
  9. 9
    DUE TO modifies a noun after a linking verb; BECAUSE OF modifies a verb or clause. Failure was due to neglect / Failed because of neglect.
  10. 10
    EXCEPT = not including (simple exclusion); EXCEPT FOR = apart from (contrasting exception). Never confuse with ACCEPT (verb). All passed except Rohan.
  11. 11
    AT (exact time / age / night); IN (morning/afternoon/evening, month, year); ON (day, date). At 6 a.m. / In the morning / On Monday.
  12. 12
    Ending a sentence with a preposition is grammatically acceptable in standard English. 'Who are you waiting for?' is correct.
  13. 13
    DURING = at some (unspecified) point within a period (when?); FOR = the entire duration (how long?). During the storm / For three hours.
  14. 14
    OVER = directly above (may cover) and 'more than' (quantity); ABOVE = higher level/scale. Over 500 people / Temperature above 40°C.
  15. 15
    Participial prepositions (considering, regarding, notwithstanding) are prepositions, not dangling participles. Considering the facts, the verdict was fair.
  16. 16
    Use WITH REGARD TO / AS REGARDS / REGARDING — never 'in regards to' (non-standard). With regard to your query…
  17. 17
    After fixed phrases (look forward to, be used to, object to, etc.), TO is a preposition — follow with a gerund. Look forward to hearing, not 'to hear'.
  18. 18
    IN TIME = early enough; ON TIME = punctually according to schedule. Arrived in time / Train left on time.
  19. 19
    IN THE END = finally (after a process); AT THE END = at the final position (of something). In the end, he agreed / At the end of the chapter.
  20. 20
    Complex (phrasal) prepositions must be used complete and unaltered. In spite of (NOT despite of) / On behalf of (NOT on behalf).
📝 SECTION 5: PRACTICE QUESTIONS — PART 1 (All 60 Questions)
CATEGORY 1 — Spot the Mistake Q1–Q15
Locate the preposition error in each sentence, identify the correct preposition, and state the rule violated.
1
She has been studying since three hours and hasn't taken a break yet.
2
He is senior than the other employees, so he was given the project.
3
The trophy will be shared between all twelve members of the winning team.
4
She reached to the airport just in time to board her flight.
5
He died with a rare tropical disease at the age of thirty-four.
6
The policy was cancelled despite of the repeated warnings issued by the regulator.
7
She is very good in mathematics but struggles in language tasks.
8
He looks forward to meet the director tomorrow afternoon.
9
The award was given to she and her partner in recognition of their research.
10
The delay was due to the management failed to communicate the schedule on time.
11
She was angry on him for missing the deadline without any notice.
12
In regards to your complaint, the management has been notified.
13
He is not used to work under such intense pressure for extended periods.
14
The child sat besides her grandmother throughout the long ceremony.
15
All the delegates arrived on time except one, who came in time with barely a minute to spare before the meeting began.
CATEGORY 2 — Fill in the Right Word Q16–Q30
Choose the most grammatically precise preposition from the options. More than one option may seem plausible — read carefully.
16
She has been working here ______ 2018, having joined straight after finishing her postgraduate degree.
A since
B for
C from
D during
17
The responsibility of ensuring data accuracy lies ______ the analyst and the project lead jointly.
A between
B among
C within
D through
18
He is absolutely committed ______ improving public healthcare infrastructure in rural areas.
A for
B to
C at
D towards
19
The two scientists differ significantly ______ each other ______ their approach to experimental design.
A from / in
B with / on
C from / from
D on / at
20
The entire expedition was cancelled ______ adverse weather conditions along the mountain route.
A due to
B because
C owing to
D both A and C
21
She is not only proficient ______ coding but also deeply knowledgeable ______ algorithms.
A at / about
B in / in
C at / in
D in / about
22
He jumped ______ the lake to rescue the drowning child without hesitating even for a moment.
A in
B into
C onto
D inside
23
The report must be submitted ______ Friday; submitting it ______ the weekend will not be accepted.
A by / over
B on / at
C by / at
D till / on
24
______ his inexperience, he performed remarkably well during the high-pressure client presentation.
A Despite of
B Despite
C In spite
D Although
25
The medicine must be taken ______ meals, not on an empty stomach, as per the doctor's instructions.
A during
B after
C between
D with
26
She was appointed director ______ her extensive experience ______ the field of international trade.
A because / at
B by virtue of / in
C due to / on
D owing to / at
27
The letter was signed ______ the chairman and sealed ______ red wax in the traditional manner.
A by / with
B by / by
C from / with
D with / by
28
I look forward ______ receiving your detailed feedback ______ the revised manuscript.
A to / about
B to / on
C for / about
D at / on
29
He graduated ______ law ______ 2017, ______ a Friday in June, ______ exactly noon.
A in / in / on / at
B on / in / on / at
C in / on / at / in
D at / in / on / on
30
She is neither afraid ______ hard work nor ______ criticism; she thrives ______ challenges.
A of / of / on
B from / from / in
C of / from / in
D of / of / at
CATEGORY 3 — Choose the Correct Sentence Q31–Q45
Only one of the four options is grammatically correct. Identify it and be ready to explain why each wrong option fails.
31
Choose the grammatically correct sentence:
A She is married with a renowned cardiologist who works at a teaching hospital.
B She is married to a renowned cardiologist who works at a teaching hospital.
C She is married by a renowned cardiologist who works at a teaching hospital.
D She is married for a renowned cardiologist who works at a teaching hospital.
32
Choose the grammatically correct sentence:
A The bridge was constructed between all three states that share the river basin.
B The bridge was constructed between the three states that share the river basin.
C The bridge was constructed among three states that share the river basin.
D The bridge was constructed among all three states sharing that river basin.
33
Choose the grammatically correct sentence:
A He has suffered from this condition since over a decade.
B He has suffered from this condition since a decade.
C He has suffered from this condition for over a decade.
D He has suffered from this condition during over a decade.
34
Choose the grammatically correct sentence:
A The prize was distributed between the five winners equally and without delay.
B The prize was distributed among all five of the winners equally and without delay.
C The prize was distributed between all five winners equally and without delay.
D The prize was distributed among five of the winners equally and without delay.
35
Choose the grammatically correct sentence:
A On behalf the company, I extend our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience.
B On behalf of the company, I extend our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience.
C On the behalf of the company, I extend our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience.
D In behalf of the company, I extend our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience.
36
Choose the grammatically correct sentence:
A She looks forward to hear from you regarding the updated offer letter.
B She looks forward to hearing from you regarding the updated offer letter.
C She looks forward for hearing from you regarding the updated offer letter.
D She looks forward of hearing from you regarding the updated offer letter.
37
Choose the grammatically correct sentence:
A The temperature dropped to below zero during the night in the northern valley.
B The temperature dropped below zero during the night in the northern valley.
C The temperature dropped below zero in the night in the northern valley.
D The temperature dropped over zero in the night in the northern valley.
38
Choose the grammatically correct sentence:
A All the employees were present in the meeting except the CFO.
B All the employees were present at the meeting except the CFO.
C All the employees were present at the meeting accept the CFO.
D All the employees were present in the meeting accept the CFO.
39
Choose the grammatically correct sentence:
A The article is relevant with current policy discussions on climate change.
B The article is relevant for current policy discussions on climate change.
C The article is relevant to current policy discussions on climate change.
D The article is relevant at current policy discussions on climate change.
40
Choose the grammatically correct sentence:
A He is suffering with chronic migraine since the accident last year.
B He is suffering from chronic migraine for the accident last year.
C He has been suffering from chronic migraine since the accident last year.
D He has been suffering with chronic migraine since the accident last year.
41
Choose the grammatically correct sentence:
A In the end of every chapter, the author provides a concise summary of main points.
B At the end of every chapter, the author provides a concise summary of main points.
C At the end for every chapter, the author provides a concise summary of main points.
D In the end, every chapter, the author provides a concise summary of main points.
42
Choose the grammatically correct sentence:
A She arrived at the conference in time to register but not on time according to the schedule.
B She arrived at the conference on time to register but not in time according to the schedule.
C She arrived at the conference in time to register, though not on time according to the official schedule.
D She arrived at the conference at time to register but she was not on time per schedule.
43
Choose the grammatically correct sentence:
A The nomination was rejected on account of the candidate failed to submit his documents.
B The nomination was rejected due to the candidate failed to submit his documents.
C The nomination was rejected because the candidate failed to submit his documents.
D The nomination was rejected owing to the candidate failed to submit his documents.
44
Choose the grammatically correct sentence:
A Between you, me, and the committee, this decision should remain strictly confidential.
B Between you and I and the committee, this decision should remain strictly confidential.
C Among you, I, and the committee, this decision should remain strictly confidential.
D Between we and the committee, this decision should remain strictly confidential.
45
Choose the grammatically correct sentence:
A The journalist wrote a story about whom had been responsible for the data leak.
B The journalist wrote a story about who had been responsible for the data leak.
C The journalist wrote a story about the person who had been responsible for the data leak.
D The journalist wrote a story about whom was responsible for the data leak.
CATEGORY 4 — Analyse, Rewrite & Explain Q46–Q60
Deep analysis, rewriting, clause identification, and application of competing or nuanced grammatical rules. Full written answers required.
46
Explain the grammatical difference between these two sentences: (a) 'The match was postponed due to rain.' (b) 'The match was postponed because of rain.' Are both acceptable? Under what circumstances does the distinction become critical?
47
Identify and correct all preposition errors in the following paragraph: 'She has been working in this organisation since five years. She is very good in accounts and skilled at to manage budgets. Despite of some initial setbacks, she has consistently delivered results superior than her targets.'
48
Rewrite the following sentence in three different ways, each time placing the preposition correctly, without starting any rewritten version with 'It': 'The problem that the team has been working very hard on is extremely complex.'
49
Analyse the sentence: 'He is used to working late, but his colleague is not used to it.' Identify: (a) the preposition in each clause, (b) the object of each preposition, and (c) why 'used to' here is different from the past tense 'used to' as in 'He used to work late.'
50
Consider: 'Between you and me, this proposal will not succeed.' Some speakers say 'Between you and I.' (a) Which is correct and why? (b) What grammatical error produces 'Between you and I'? (c) Provide two similar examples with other compound objects after prepositions.
51
Correct and annotate the following formal letter opening: 'In regards to your application dated the 5th of March, we have reviewed your request and found you eligible of the scholarship. We request you to revert back on this mail by the 20th of April.'
52
Explain, with examples, the difference in meaning between: (a) He sat beside the river. (b) He sat besides the river. Which is standard? What does each communicate?
53
Rewrite the following sentences, replacing the underlined phrasal prepositions with their single-word preposition equivalents wherever possible, and explain whether the meaning is fully preserved: (a) 'She acted in accordance with the rules.' (b) 'He was punished by reason of his dishonesty.' (c) 'In spite of the delay, the project was completed.'
54
A student writes: 'She is not only experienced in research but also familiar at statistical tools and confident for public speaking.' Identify all preposition errors, state the correct prepositions, and explain each correction with the relevant rule.
55
The sentence 'Considering her talent, the rejection was surprising' has been questioned as a 'dangling participle.' Is this criticism valid? Analyse grammatically: is 'considering' here a present participle or a participial preposition? How does this change the grammatical analysis?
56
Explain the distinction between OVER and ABOVE with reference to: (a) position in space, (b) quantity/number, (c) level on a scale. Provide two original example sentences for each category.
57
Rewrite the following passage correcting all errors related to prepositions. Then list each correction in a numbered annotation table with the original, correction, and rule violated: 'The committee, comprising of twelve members, met on Tuesday in 10 a.m. They discussed matters related with employee welfare. The final report will be submitted by the chairman at the behalf of all members before two weeks.'
58
Some grammarians argue that 'This is a matter of which I am aware' is correct and 'This is a matter I am aware of' is incorrect. Others disagree. Evaluate both positions and write a nuanced grammatical defence of each stance.
59
Identify the function (adverb, adjective, or noun modifier) of each underlined prepositional phrase: (a) 'The man [on the roof] waved at us.' (b) 'She drove [with great speed].' (c) 'The decision [of the court] was final.' (d) 'He arrived [at midnight].' (e) 'She is happy [about her results].'
60
A legal document reads: 'The agreement shall remain in force notwithstanding any changes to the regulatory framework.' (a) Identify 'notwithstanding' — is it a preposition, conjunction, or adverb here? (b) Rewrite the sentence using two alternative prepositions/conjunctions without changing the legal meaning. (c) Explain why 'notwithstanding' is preferred in formal and legal contexts over those alternatives.
🔓 SECTION 6: PRACTICE Q&A — PART 2 (All 60 Answers with Explanations)
CATEGORY 1 — Spot the Mistake: Answers Q1–Q15
✔ Answer Error: since → for

📌 ExplanationSINCE is used with a point of time (since Monday, since 2018), not with a period. THREE HOURS is a duration, so FOR must be used. Rule 5: For + duration / Since + point.
✔ Answer Error: senior than → senior to

📌 ExplanationComparative adjectives derived from Latin (senior, junior, superior, inferior, prior, preferable) always take TO, never THAN. Rule: Latinate comparatives take 'to'.
✔ Answer Error: between → among

📌 ExplanationBETWEEN is used for two individuals or items named separately. TWELVE MEMBERS is a collective group of more than two, so AMONG is correct. Rule 6: Among for collective groups > 2.
✔ Answer Error: reached to → reached

📌 ExplanationREACH is a transitive verb that takes a direct object without any preposition. Adding 'to' is a common hypercorrection. Correct: 'She reached the airport.'
✔ Answer Error: died with → died of

📌 ExplanationThe fixed collocation for cause of death is 'die OF + disease/condition'. WITH would indicate companionship. Rule: die of (a disease), not die with.
✔ Answer Error: despite of → despite

📌 ExplanationDESPITE is a simple preposition that already includes the meaning 'in spite of'. It cannot take 'of' after it. If you need 'of', use the complex form 'in spite of'. Rule 20.
✔ Answer Error: good in → good at

📌 ExplanationThe correct collocation is 'good AT + noun/gerund' (skill/ability). 'In' indicates location or a field but is not used with 'good' for skills. The correction: good at mathematics.
✔ Answer Error: to meet → to meeting

📌 ExplanationLOOK FORWARD TO is a fixed phrase where TO is a preposition, not part of an infinitive. The preposition must be followed by a gerund (verb+-ing). Rule 17: to + gerund in fixed phrases.
✔ Answer Error: to she → to her

📌 ExplanationAfter a preposition, a pronoun must be in the objective case. SHE is a subject pronoun; the object form is HER. Correct: 'given to her and her partner'. Rule 2: Objective case after prepositions.
✔ Answer Error: due to the management failed → due to the management's failure / because the management failed

📌 ExplanationDUE TO must be followed by a noun phrase (not a clause). Here, 'the management failed' is a finite clause. Either restructure: 'due to the management's failure to communicate' or use 'because': 'because the management failed'. Rule 9.
✔ Answer Error: angry on → angry with / angry at

📌 ExplanationThe correct preposition collocations are: angry WITH a person; angry AT a thing or situation. 'On' is non-standard with 'angry'. Correct: angry with him.
✔ Answer Error: In regards to → With regard to / Regarding

📌 Explanation'In regards to' is non-standard and grammatically incorrect. The accepted forms are: 'With regard to', 'In regard to', 'As regards', or simply 'Regarding'. Rule 16.
✔ Answer Error: to work → to working

📌 ExplanationUSED TO (meaning 'accustomed to') contains TO as a preposition, so it must be followed by a gerund, not an infinitive. Correct: 'not used to working'. Rule 17 and Rule 3.
✔ Answer Error: besides → beside

📌 ExplanationBESIDE means 'next to / at the side of'. BESIDES means 'in addition to'. The sentence describes physical proximity, so BESIDE is required. Rule 8.
✔ Answer No error — the sentence is grammatically correct as written.

📌 ExplanationThe sentence is correct in usage but the terms are reversed conceptually only if misread. Technically correct as written: arrived on time (punctually per schedule) but came in time (just barely managed). A student who 'corrects' this has misread the question. Award full marks for recognising the distinction rather than correcting what is not wrong. Rule 18.
CATEGORY 2 — Fill in the Right Word: Answers Q16–Q30
✔ Answer: (A) since

📌 Explanation2018 is a POINT IN TIME (a year), and the sentence uses the present perfect 'has been working' — both conditions for SINCE. (B) FOR is wrong because 2018 is not a duration. (C) FROM is not used with present perfect in this way. (D) DURING is for an unspecified point within a period, not a point of inception.
✔ Answer: (A) between

📌 ExplanationThe responsibility is shared between TWO named parties: the analyst and the project lead. Even though we might loosely think of 'teams', the sentence names exactly two individuals — so BETWEEN is correct. (B) AMONG implies a collective group. (C) WITHIN means inside/within limits. (D) THROUGH indicates means or passage.
✔ Answer: (B) to

📌 ExplanationCOMMITTED TO is a fixed collocation where TO is a preposition followed by a gerund ('improving'). (A) FOR would change meaning to purpose. (C) AT is for skills/locations. (D) TOWARDS is directional and not used in this fixed collocation.
✔ Answer: (A) from / in

📌 ExplanationDIFFER FROM is the correct phrasal verb (X differs FROM Y = they are different). The second preposition showing the area of difference is IN: 'differ in their approach'. (B) DIFFER WITH means to disagree. (C) FROM/FROM is redundant and wrong. (D) ON/AT is incorrect with differ.
✔ Answer: (D) both A and C

📌 ExplanationBoth DUE TO and OWING TO are correct here — both correctly modify the noun phrase 'the expedition' (via the linking verb 'was'). (B) BECAUSE alone is a conjunction, not a preposition, and cannot follow 'cancelled' to introduce a noun phrase without 'of'.
✔ Answer: (C) at / in

📌 Explanation'Proficient AT' + skill (specific skill-based competence) and 'knowledgeable IN' + field (domain of knowledge) are the standard collocations. (A) 'proficient at coding' is fine but 'knowledgeable about' changes nuance. (B) 'proficient in' is possible but 'at' is more precise for specific skills. (D) 'in / about' — 'knowledgeable about' is acceptable but 'in' is the stronger formal choice for fields.
✔ Answer: (B) into

📌 ExplanationINTO indicates movement from outside to inside (entry into the lake). (A) IN indicates being inside, not entry. (C) ONTO indicates movement onto a surface. (D) INSIDE is not a preposition of movement in this sense. The act of jumping into the lake requires INTO.
✔ Answer: (C) by / at

📌 ExplanationBY + deadline = 'no later than Friday'. AT + the weekend is idiomatic British English (but 'over the weekend' is also common). 'On Friday' would specify the day; BY Friday sets a deadline. (A) 'over the weekend' works but the question tests BY for deadline. (B) 'on Friday' ≠ deadline. (D) TILL/UNTIL is for continuity, not deadline.
✔ Answer: (B) Despite

📌 ExplanationDESPITE is a simple preposition and must be followed directly by a noun phrase ('his inexperience'). (A) 'Despite of' is grammatically wrong — 'of' cannot follow 'despite'. (C) 'In spite' is incomplete — requires 'in spite of'. (D) ALTHOUGH is a conjunction, not a preposition, and would require a clause.
✔ Answer: (B) after

📌 ExplanationMedicines are typically taken AFTER meals (post-meals) to protect the stomach. 'After meals' is the standard medical/dietary instruction. (A) DURING implies during the act of eating. (C) BETWEEN meals means between eating sessions, which would be on an empty stomach — the opposite of what is stated. (D) WITH is possible ('take with food') but 'after' is more specific here given the context.
✔ Answer: (B) by virtue of / in

📌 Explanation'By virtue of' = because of / on the strength of (formal). 'IN the field of' = standard phrase for domain/area. (A) 'because / at' — 'at' is wrong for 'field'. (C) 'due to / on' — 'on the field' is wrong. (D) 'owing to / at' — same error; 'at the field' is wrong.
✔ Answer: (A) by / with

📌 ExplanationBY indicates the agent in a passive construction ('signed by the chairman'). WITH indicates the instrument used ('sealed with red wax'). (B) 'sealed by red wax' is wrong — wax is an instrument, not an agent. (C) FROM is incorrect for agent. (D) 'written with the manager' changes meaning (collaborative, not agent).
✔ Answer: (B) to / on

📌 ExplanationLOOK FORWARD TO: 'to' is a preposition governing the gerund 'receiving'. FEEDBACK ON (a document) is the correct collocation — you give feedback ON something. (A) 'about' is too vague for specific document feedback. (C) 'for hearing' is wrong; the fixed phrase is 'forward to'. (D) 'at' is wrong after 'forward'.
✔ Answer: (A) in / in / on / at

📌 ExplanationGraduated IN law (field), IN 2017 (year), ON a Friday (day of the week), AT exactly noon (precise point of time). This tests all four time/space prepositions simultaneously. Other options mix these up.
✔ Answer: (A) of / of / on

📌 Explanation'Afraid OF', 'afraid OF criticism' — both take OF. 'Thrive ON challenges' is the correct collocation (not 'in' or 'at'). (B) 'afraid from' is wrong. (C) 'afraid of / from' is mixed. (D) 'thrive at' is not standard.
CATEGORY 3 — Choose the Correct Sentence: Answers Q31–Q45
✔ Answer: (B)

📌 Explanation(B) 'married to' is the correct collocation. (A) 'married with' is a common error — WITH suggests accompaniment, not matrimonial relationship. (C) 'married by' suggests the agent (the person conducting the ceremony), not the spouse. (D) 'married for' implies reason or purpose, not marital partner.
✔ Answer: (B)

📌 ExplanationThis is a subtle question. (B) is correct: three states named individually (as a group of three) — BETWEEN is acceptable when items are enumerated individually even if more than two, per modern grammar. BETWEEN is preferred because the items are treated as distinct parties in a bilateral-style arrangement (a bridge connecting distinct entities). (C) and (D) use AMONG which implies a collective sharing, not a connecting structure between distinct entities.
✔ Answer: (C)

📌 Explanation(C) 'for over a decade' — FOR + duration is correct. 'Over a decade' = more than ten years, which is a duration. (A) 'since over a decade' — SINCE requires a point of time, not a duration expression. (B) 'since a decade' — same error; 'a decade' is a duration. (D) DURING is for an unspecified point within a period, not a total duration.
✔ Answer: (B)

📌 Explanation(B) 'distributed among all five of the winners' — AMONG is correct for a collective group of more than two. (A) 'between the five winners' — BETWEEN is wrong for a collective group of five. (C) 'between all five' — same error. (D) 'among five of the winners' — the omission of 'all' is acceptable, but 'all five' is more precise; both (B) and (D) are grammatically correct; (B) is preferred for clarity.
✔ Answer: (B)

📌 Explanation(B) 'On behalf of' is the complete, correct phrase. (A) 'On behalf' — the phrase is incomplete without 'of'. (C) 'On the behalf of' — inserting 'the' before 'behalf' is non-standard and incorrect. (D) 'In behalf of' is American English and considered non-standard in formal international English; 'on behalf of' is the globally accepted form.
✔ Answer: (B)

📌 Explanation(B) 'look forward to hearing' — TO here is a preposition (not infinitive marker), so it must be followed by a gerund. (A) 'to hear' — wrong; infinitive cannot follow a preposition. (C) 'forward for hearing' — FOR is the wrong preposition; the fixed phrase is 'look forward TO'. (D) 'forward of hearing' — OF is incorrect in this collocation.
✔ Answer: (B)

📌 Explanation(B) 'dropped below zero during the night' — BELOW is the correct preposition for a scale; DURING is correct for an unspecified point within the night. (A) 'to below zero' — 'to' is redundant before 'below'; 'below zero' is a position, not a destination requiring 'to'. (C) 'in the night' — while 'in the night' can appear in literary contexts, 'during the night' is standard. (D) 'dropped over zero' — OVER zero means above zero, the opposite of what is intended.
✔ Answer: (B)

📌 Explanation(B) 'present at the meeting' (correct — AT is used for events/gatherings) and 'except the CFO' (correct exclusion). (A) 'present in the meeting' — IN suggests physical interior of a room, not attendance at an event; AT is standard for meetings, conferences, events. (C) 'accept the CFO' — ACCEPT is a verb meaning to receive willingly; EXCEPT is the preposition of exclusion. (D) Both errors from (A) and (C) combined.
✔ Answer: (C)

📌 Explanation(C) 'relevant to' is the correct collocation. (A) 'relevant with' — WITH is incorrect here. (B) 'relevant for' — FOR implies purpose; 'relevant for discussions' changes the meaning subtly (suitable for purposes of), which is possible but 'relevant to' is the standard collocation. (D) 'relevant at' — AT is entirely wrong.
✔ Answer: (C)

📌 Explanation(C) 'has been suffering from chronic migraine since the accident' — FROM is correct with 'suffer'; SINCE is correct (point of time: the accident); present perfect is correct (ongoing condition). (A) 'suffering with' — WITH is wrong; 'suffer FROM' is the correct collocation. (B) 'for the accident' — FOR would mean purpose; SINCE is needed for a point of time. (D) 'suffering with' — same error as (A).
✔ Answer: (B)

📌 Explanation(B) 'At the end of every chapter' — AT THE END = positional (the final location). The sentence describes a position (a summary at a location in the chapter). (A) 'In the end of every chapter' — IN THE END means 'finally' (temporal/resultative), not positional. (C) 'at the end for every chapter' — FOR is wrong here; 'of' is needed. (D) 'In the end, every chapter…' — this restructures the sentence incorrectly and changes meaning.
✔ Answer: (C)

📌 Explanation(C) is grammatically correct and uses both terms properly: IN TIME = early enough to register; ON TIME = punctually per schedule. (A) reverses the meanings: ON TIME to register doesn't quite fit 'arriving to register'; IN TIME according to schedule is wrong. (B) reverses: ON TIME to register; IN TIME according to schedule — the latter is incorrect. (D) 'at time' — non-standard; no such fixed preposition phrase.
✔ Answer: (C)

📌 Explanation(C) 'because the candidate failed' — BECAUSE is a conjunction introducing a clause (subject + verb). (A) 'on account of the candidate failed' — ON ACCOUNT OF is a preposition requiring a noun phrase, not a finite clause. (B) 'due to the candidate failed' — DUE TO is a preposition requiring a noun phrase, not a clause. (D) 'owing to the candidate failed' — same error as (B).
✔ Answer: (A)

📌 Explanation(A) 'Between you, me, and the committee' — BETWEEN can apply to individually named parties (you, me, committee) even if three; the pronoun ME is correct (objective case after 'between'). (B) 'Between you and I' — I is a subject pronoun; after a preposition, the objective case ME must be used. Classic hypercorrection. (C) 'Among you, I, and the committee' — I is wrong (should be 'me'); AMONG could apply but the items are individually listed. (D) 'Between we' — WE is subject pronoun; US is required.
✔ Answer: (B)

📌 Explanation(B) 'wrote a story about who had been responsible' — the subordinate clause 'who had been responsible' is a noun clause acting as object of ABOUT. Within that clause, WHO is the subject (performing 'had been'), so WHO (not WHOM) is correct. (A) and (D) 'about whom had been responsible' — WHOM cannot be the subject of 'had been'; WHOM is object case. (C) is grammatically correct but changes the sentence structure significantly. (B) most directly answers the question with correct grammar.
CATEGORY 4 — Analyse, Rewrite & Explain: Answers Q46–Q60
✔ Answer Both sentences mean the same thing in everyday usage, but the grammatical distinction is significant in formal writing. (a) 'was postponed DUE TO rain' — DUE TO is a compound adjective meaning 'caused by', traditionally used only after a linking/copular verb and modifying a noun (the postponement was due to rain). Grammar traditionalists accept it only when 'due' functions adjectivally. (b) 'was postponed BECAUSE OF rain' — BECAUSE OF is a prepositional phrase that modifies the verb 'was postponed', indicating the cause of the action. Most grammarians consider BECAUSE OF the safer, universally accepted choice for modifying verbs.

📌 ExplanationThe distinction becomes critical in formal, legal, or academic writing: a sentence like 'He was fined due to speeding' (where due to modifies the verb 'was fined' rather than a noun) is contested; 'because of speeding' is unambiguous. Quick test: substitute 'caused by' — if it works and follows a linking verb, DUE TO is acceptable; otherwise, use BECAUSE OF.
✔ Answer CORRECTED PARAGRAPH: 'She has been working in this organisation for five years. She is very good at accounts and skilled at managing budgets. Despite some initial setbacks, she has consistently delivered results superior to her targets.'

📌 Explanation(1) 'since five years' → 'for five years' — FIVE YEARS is a duration; FOR is required. SINCE is for a point of time. Rule 5. (2) 'good in accounts' → 'good at accounts' — GOOD AT is the fixed collocation for skill/ability. (3) 'skilled at to manage' → 'skilled at managing' — after a preposition (AT), a gerund is required, not an infinitive. Rule 3. (4) 'Despite of some' → 'Despite some' — DESPITE is a simple preposition and cannot be followed by 'of'. Rule 20. (5) 'superior than' → 'superior to' — Latinate comparatives (superior, inferior, senior, junior, prior) take TO, not THAN.
✔ Answer Original: 'The problem that the team has been working very hard on is extremely complex.'

(1) Standard declarative: 'The problem on which the team has been working very hard is extremely complex.' (preposition moved before relative pronoun — formal register)
(2) Foregrounding the adjective: 'Extremely complex is the problem the team has been working very hard on.' (inverted for emphasis — the preposition remains at the end naturally)
(3) Appositive restructuring: 'Working very hard on an extremely complex problem, the team has been persistent.' (problem repositioned as part of a participial phrase)

📌 ExplanationVersions (1) and (2) retain the original core sentence structure. Version (3) restructures the clause relationships. All three are grammatically correct. This exercise illustrates that prepositions at sentence-end (version 2) are perfectly standard in English, and the formal alternative (version 1) creates a more complex but not superior sentence.
✔ Answer (a) Prepositions: In 'used to working' — TO is a preposition. In 'not used to it' — TO is again a preposition.

(b) Objects of the preposition: In 'used to working' — the object is the gerund 'working'. In 'not used to it' — the object is the pronoun 'it' (objective case).

📌 Explanation(c) In 'He used to work late', USED TO is a semi-modal/idiomatic past tense construction meaning 'did habitually in the past'. Here, TO is part of the infinitive marker (used to + base verb). It cannot be followed by a gerund: 'He used to working late' would be wrong. In contrast, 'He is used to working late' means 'He is accustomed to working late' — here USED functions as an adjective (predicate adjective after 'is'), and TO is a preposition governing the gerund. The two structures are superficially similar but grammatically distinct: (i) used to + infinitive = past habitual (ii) be used to + gerund = be accustomed to.
✔ Answer (a) 'Between you and me' is CORRECT. BETWEEN is a preposition; all pronouns governed by a preposition must be in the objective (accusative) case. ME is the objective form of I.

(b) The error in 'Between you and I' is called HYPERCORRECTION. Speakers who have been told 'don't say me and John' (corrected from 'John and I' in subject position) over-apply this rule to object position as well, wrongly using I after a preposition. This is one of the most frequent grammatical errors in educated speech.

📌 Explanation(c) Similar examples: 'This decision was made by her and him.' (NOT: by she and he) — BY governs both pronouns; both must be objective. 'The secret is known only to us and them.' (NOT: to we and they) — TO governs both; both must be objective (US and THEM).
✔ Answer CORRECTED VERSION: 'With regard to your application dated the 5th of March, we have reviewed your request and found you eligible for the scholarship. We request you to respond to this email by the 20th of April.'

📌 Explanation(1) 'In regards to' → 'With regard to' — 'in regards to' is non-standard; 'with regard to' or 'regarding' is correct. Rule 16. (2) 'eligible of' → 'eligible for' — the fixed collocation is ELIGIBLE FOR. 'Of' does not collocate with eligible. (3) 'revert back' → 'respond / reply' — 'revert' in standard English means 'to return to a previous state'; using it to mean 'reply' is an Indianism. 'Back' is redundant. Additionally, 'revert on' is non-standard; 'reply to' or 'respond to' is correct. (4) 'on this mail' → 'to this email' — the correct preposition for replying is TO, not ON. 'Mail' in formal contexts is better replaced with 'email'.
✔ Answer (a) 'He sat beside the river.' — BESIDE means 'at the side of / next to'. This sentence describes his physical position: he was sitting next to the river. This is the standard, correct usage.

(b) 'He sat besides the river.' — BESIDES means 'in addition to'. This sentence would mean 'In addition to the river, he sat (somewhere)' — which is grammatically possible but makes no logical sense in this context. It is an error when physical proximity is intended.

📌 ExplanationConclusion: (a) is standard for spatial meaning. BESIDES as a preposition works only to mean 'in addition to': 'Besides the river, they also cleaned the lake.' BESIDES can also be an adverb meaning 'moreover': 'The plan is expensive; besides, it is impractical.' BESIDE has no adverb use.
✔ Answer (a) 'She acted in accordance with the rules.' → 'She acted per the rules.' OR 'She acted according to the rules.' — ACCORDING TO is the closest equivalent. PER is more formal/legalistic. The meaning is largely preserved, though 'in accordance with' carries a slightly more formal, compliance-based connotation.

(b) 'He was punished by reason of his dishonesty.' → 'He was punished for his dishonesty.' OR 'He was punished because of his dishonesty.' — FOR (reason) or BECAUSE OF captures the cause. 'By reason of' is highly formal/legal; FOR is more natural but slightly less emphatic.

(c) 'In spite of the delay, the project was completed.' → 'Despite the delay, the project was completed.'

📌 ExplanationDESPITE is a perfect single-word equivalent of 'in spite of'. Meaning is fully preserved. Note: 'despite of' is wrong; 'despite' is already complete.
✔ Answer ORIGINAL: 'She is not only experienced in research but also familiar at statistical tools and confident for public speaking.'

CORRECTED: 'She is not only experienced in research but also familiar with statistical tools and confident about public speaking.'

📌 Explanation(1) 'experienced in research' — CORRECT. EXPERIENCED IN is the standard collocation for domain knowledge. (2) 'familiar at statistical tools' → 'familiar with statistical tools' — FAMILIAR WITH is the fixed collocation. 'At' is used for skills (good at), not for familiarity. (3) 'confident for public speaking' → 'confident about public speaking' OR 'confident in public speaking' — CONFIDENT ABOUT (a topic/activity) or CONFIDENT IN (one's ability) are correct. FOR is not used with 'confident'.
✔ Answer The criticism that 'considering her talent, the rejection was surprising' is a dangling participle is NOT valid when 'considering' is analysed as a PARTICIPIAL PREPOSITION.

📌 ExplanationWhen a word like 'considering', 'regarding', 'concerning', 'notwithstanding', 'given', 'granted', or 'barring' governs a noun phrase directly and establishes a logical relationship with the main clause (without requiring a grammatical subject), it functions as a PARTICIPIAL PREPOSITION (also called an 'absolute preposition' in some frameworks). In this capacity, it is not a dangling modifier because it does not describe an action performed by a subject. When 'considering' = 'given / in view of / taking into account' (a prepositional meaning), it functions as a preposition governing 'her talent'. In this interpretation, no dangling modifier exists. This is confirmed by its entry in major dictionaries as a preposition: 'Considering the circumstances, the decision was fair.' — fully standard.
✔ Answer (a) Position in space: OVER = directly above, often with the idea of covering or spanning: 'The bridge stretches over the river.' / 'She held an umbrella over her head.' ABOVE = at a higher position but not necessarily directly above or covering: 'The eagle soared above the clouds.' / 'His office is above the ground floor.'

(b) Quantity / Number (more than): OVER = more than (a quantity): 'There were over 300 applicants for the position.' / 'She has worked here for over a decade.' ABOVE cannot be used this way: 'above 300 applicants' is non-standard for quantity.

(c) Level on a scale: ABOVE = higher than a point on a scale (temperature, rank, standard): 'Temperatures rose above 45°C.' / 'Her performance is above average.' OVER can substitute in some scale uses but is less formal: 'over 45°C' is understood but 'above' is preferred for scales.

📌 ExplanationKey rule: Use OVER for quantity ('more than a count'); use ABOVE for scales and levels ('higher than a threshold').
✔ Answer ORIGINAL: 'The committee, comprising of twelve members, met on Tuesday in 10 a.m. They discussed matters related with employee welfare. The final report will be submitted by the chairman at the behalf of all members before two weeks.'

CORRECTED: 'The committee, comprising twelve members, met on Tuesday at 10 a.m. They discussed matters related to employee welfare. The final report will be submitted by the chairman on behalf of all members within two weeks.'

📌 Explanation(1) 'comprising of' → 'comprising' — COMPRISE is a transitive verb that takes a direct object without any preposition. 'Comprising of' is always wrong. (2) 'in 10 a.m.' → 'at 10 a.m.' — Exact times use AT, not IN. Rule 4 / Rule 11. (3) 'related with' → 'related to' — RELATED TO is the correct collocation. 'With' is not used here. (4) 'at the behalf of' → 'on behalf of' — The fixed phrase is ON BEHALF OF. 'At' is incorrect; 'the' is incorrect before 'behalf'. (5) 'before two weeks' → 'within two weeks' — BEFORE implies a specific time limit (before a specific moment); WITHIN two weeks = inside the span of two weeks. 'Before two weeks' in this context is non-standard.
✔ Answer POSITION A — 'This is a matter of which I am aware' is correct (Prescriptivist view): This form avoids ending the sentence with a preposition. Classical grammarians, influenced by Latin (where prepositions could not end clauses), prescribed that English prepositions should precede their objects. In formal, literary, or very elevated written English, 'of which I am aware' is preferred. The argument is that form (a) produces a cleaner, more structured relative clause.

POSITION B — 'This is a matter I am aware of' is also correct (Descriptivist view): Modern grammarians (including Fowler in his later editions, Quirk, Greenbaum, and virtually all contemporary style guides) accept terminal prepositions as fully standard. English, unlike Latin, allows prepositions to follow their objects ('stranded prepositions'). The alternative 'This is a matter of which I am aware' can be stilted or awkward.

📌 ExplanationConclusion: BOTH are grammatically valid. Context determines preference: terminal prepositions suit informal to neutral registers; pre-posed prepositions suit very formal or literary writing. Neither is 'incorrect'. Rule 12 in this document supports this position.
✔ Answer (a) 'The man [on the roof] waved at us.' — ON THE ROOF modifies the noun 'man' — it tells us WHICH man. Function: ADJECTIVE (noun modifier / postmodifying the noun 'man').

(b) 'She drove [with great speed].' — WITH GREAT SPEED modifies the verb 'drove' — it tells us HOW she drove. Function: ADVERB (verb modifier / adverbial of manner).

(c) 'The decision [of the court] was final.' — OF THE COURT modifies the noun 'decision' — it tells us WHOSE decision. Function: ADJECTIVE (noun modifier / genitive/possessive relationship).

(d) 'He arrived [at midnight].' — AT MIDNIGHT modifies the verb 'arrived' — it tells us WHEN he arrived. Function: ADVERB (verb modifier / adverbial of time).

(e) 'She is happy [about her results].' — ABOUT HER RESULTS modifies the adjective 'happy' — it specifies what she is happy about. Function: ADVERB (adjective modifier / adverbial complement of the adjective 'happy').

📌 ExplanationPrepositional phrases function as adjectives (when modifying nouns) or adverbs (when modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs). They never function as nouns in these examples.
✔ Answer (a) In 'The agreement shall remain in force notwithstanding any changes to the regulatory framework', NOTWITHSTANDING is a PREPOSITION. It governs the noun phrase 'any changes to the regulatory framework', meaning 'in spite of / regardless of any changes'. It could also function as an adverb (placed after the noun: 'the objections notwithstanding') or a conjunction (followed by a clause: 'notwithstanding that the law has changed'). Here, because it precedes and governs a noun phrase directly, it functions as a preposition.

(b) Alternative rewritings: 'The agreement shall remain in force despite any changes to the regulatory framework.' / 'The agreement shall remain in force even if the regulatory framework changes.'

📌 Explanation(c) Legal drafting values precision, formality, and unambiguity. NOTWITHSTANDING is unambiguous and carries an absolute force: it overrides other provisions. Phrases like 'Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement' signal that the clause in question takes precedence over all others. DESPITE is equally formal but slightly less prevalent in legal instruments. EVEN IF introduces conditionality (possibility), whereas NOTWITHSTANDING states an absolute position (regardless of whether changes occur). This absoluteness is critical in contract law.

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