Select the correct preposition for the blank in the sentence: “I prevented him…
2023
Select the correct preposition for the blank in the sentence: “I prevented him ____ going.”
Answer: A. from — ConceptIn standard English, certain verbs select fixed complement patterns. The verb “prevent” typically follows the pattern prevent + object + from + gerund…
- A.
from
- B.
on
- C.
to
- D.
None of these
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Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Concept
In standard English, certain verbs select fixed complement patterns. The verb “prevent” typically follows the pattern prevent + object + from + gerund (-ing form).
The preposition in such a pattern is governed by the verb’s construction, not only by the preposition’s standalone meaning.
Application
In “I prevented him ____ going,” “him” is the object and “going” is a gerund. Applying the pattern gives “prevented him from going.”
Contrast
“on” commonly marks surface contact or a topic; it is not the preposition selected by this construction.
“to” can mark direction or introduce a base-form infinitive, whereas “going” here is a gerund.
“None of these” does not apply because the required preposition is present among the listed choices.
Result
The blank is filled with “from”: “I prevented him from going.”