Directions: Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space with four options. Select whichever preposition or determiner you consider the most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Few things are impossible ________ achieve with diligence and skill.
to
Analyzing the Sentence Completion Question
The question asks us to fill in the blank in the sentence "Few things are impossible ________ achieve with diligence and skill." with the most appropriate preposition or determiner from the given options.
Understanding the correct grammatical structure following the adjective "impossible" is key to solving this problem. When "impossible" is followed by a verb describing the action that is impossible, it typically takes the structure "impossible + to + infinitive verb (base form)".
Evaluating the Options
Let's examine each option and see how it fits into the sentence:
- for: "Few things are impossible for achieve..." - The preposition "for" is not typically used before the base form of a verb in this structure. While "impossible for someone to do something" is correct, "impossible for achieve" is grammatically incorrect.
- to: "Few things are impossible to achieve..." - This uses the structure "impossible + to + infinitive", which is a standard and correct construction in English grammar. It means that achieving few things is impossible if one has diligence and skill.
- in: "Few things are impossible in achieve..." - The preposition "in" is not used before the base form of a verb in this context. "Impossible in" might be followed by a noun or gerund (e.g., "impossible in practice" or "impossible in achieving something"), but not the bare infinitive "achieve".
- onto: "Few things are impossible onto achieve..." - The preposition "onto" is primarily used to indicate movement to a position on the surface of something. It has no grammatical or logical connection to the verb "achieve" in this sentence's structure.
Determining the Correct Preposition
Based on the evaluation, the phrase "impossible to achieve" is the grammatically correct and natural way to express the idea that achieving something is impossible. The sentence structure requires the infinitive form of the verb "achieve", which is introduced by the preposition "to".
Therefore, the most appropriate word to complete the sentence is "to". The completed sentence reads: "Few things are impossible to achieve with diligence and skill."
Example of "Impossible to + Infinitive"
Here are other examples using the same structure:
- It is impossible to finish this project by tomorrow.
- She found it impossible to ignore his rude comment.
- Nothing is impossible to overcome if you are determined.
Revision Table: Prepositions with 'Impossible'
| Structure | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Impossible + to + Verb (Infinitive) | To state that performing an action is impossible. | It is impossible to fly without wings. Few things are impossible to achieve. |
| Impossible + for + Someone + to + Verb (Infinitive) | To state that it is impossible for a specific person or group to perform an action. | It is impossible for us to finish this tonight. |
| Impossible + in + Noun / Gerund | To state that something is impossible within a specific context, practice, or method. | The plan is impossible in practice. Success is impossible in cheating. |
Additional Information on Prepositions and Infinitives
Prepositions play a crucial role in connecting words and phrases in a sentence. Sometimes, prepositions like "to" are part of an infinitive structure ("to" + base verb), which functions differently from "to" as a preposition followed by a noun or pronoun.
In the sentence "Few things are impossible to achieve," "to achieve" is an infinitive phrase modifying the adjective "impossible," indicating what is impossible. This is a standard grammatical pattern for expressing possibility or impossibility related to an action.
Understanding these patterns helps in correctly completing sentences and using prepositions accurately in English grammar.
Important Questions from Fill in the Blanks
Direction : Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.
There was a time when West Germany was a distinct ______.
Direction: Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.
My son is very _____, he trusts everyone.Direction: Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.
I wish I _____ her before we met.Directions: Each of the following items in this section has a sentence with a missing preposition. Select the correct preposition from the given options and mark your response accordingly.
I accepted the offer _______ certain conditions.
Directions: Each of the following items in this section has a sentence with a missing preposition. Select the correct preposition from the given options and mark your response accordingly.
He visits the needy to relieve them ______ their sufferings and poverty.
