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Choosing the Correct Preposition for 'Enlarge'
The question asks us to select the most suitable preposition to complete the sentence: "During the course of speech the principal enlarged ____ the need of improving college library." We need to look at how the verb 'enlarge' is used with prepositions.
In English, certain verbs combine with specific prepositions to form phrasal verbs, which often have meanings different from the individual words. The verb 'enlarge' can be used with different prepositions, and the meaning changes depending on the preposition.
- Enlarge on / upon: This is a common phrasal verb meaning to give more details about something; to speak or write about something at greater length. For example, "She enlarged on the problems they faced."
- Enlarge to: This usually refers to increasing the size of something to a specific dimension. For example, "The picture was enlarged to 10x12 inches."
- Enlarge in: This phrasing is less common in standard usage for talking about giving details. 'Enlarge' might be used with 'in' in contexts like 'enlarging in scope' or 'enlarging in size', but not typically when discussing elaborating on a topic.
- Enlarge by: This is used to indicate the amount by which something is increased in size. For example, "The image was enlarged by 50%."
In the given sentence, the principal is talking about "the need of improving college library." The context "enlarged ____ the need" implies that the principal spoke in more detail or at greater length about this specific need. This meaning perfectly aligns with the phrasal verb "enlarge upon" (or "enlarge on").
Therefore, the correct preposition to use is "upon". The sentence becomes: "During the course of speech the principal enlarged upon the need of improving college library."
Let's look at the options:
- upon: Correct, as "enlarge upon" means to elaborate or give more details.
- to: Incorrect in this context; "enlarge to" relates to size increase to a specific dimension.
- in: Incorrect; "enlarge in" is not typically used for elaborating on a topic.
- by: Incorrect; "enlarge by" relates to the amount of size increase.
Based on the meaning of the phrasal verb and the context of the sentence, "upon" is the only suitable preposition among the given alternatives.
Important Questions from Fill in the Blanks
Directions: Fill in the blanks with the word that best completes the sentence.
With a less rapid expansion of the economy, we should make________ progress toward stable price levels.
Directions: Fill in the blanks with the word that best completes the sentence.
At times he gets very angry, and then no one can_______ him.
Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly.
Many people today have fallen into utter confusion of values with the result that they cannot______ the good from the bad.
Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly
If Mohan________ at 5 a.m., he would not have missed the train.
Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly.
His property was divided ______ his daughters and sons.
