Fill in the blank space with the correct word from the four choices given…
2019
Fill in the blank space with the correct word from the four choices given below.
Sentence:
He refrained _____ scolding his child until the company left.
- A.
to
- B.
from
- C.
of
- D.
at
Attempted by 71 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Rule: the verb 'refrain' is followed by the preposition 'from' and then a verb in the -ing form (a gerund).
Example: He refrained from scolding his child until the company left.
Why 'from' is correct: it fits the required pattern 'refrain from' + gerund ('from scolding').
Why 'to' is incorrect: 'to' follows different verbs (for example, 'refuse to scold'), but not 'refrain'.
Why 'of' and 'at' are incorrect: neither preposition is used after 'refrain' to mean 'avoid doing something'; the standard construction is 'refrain from' + gerund.
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