Directions: Select the most appropriate preposition. His story seems to be devoid _________ truth.
of
Choosing the Correct Preposition: Understanding 'Devoid'
This question asks us to select the most appropriate preposition to complete the sentence: "His story seems to be devoid _________ truth." Understanding how certain words pair with specific prepositions is key in English grammar. The word 'devoid' is the crucial term here.
The adjective 'devoid' means entirely lacking or free from. When we say something is 'devoid' of something else, it means that thing is completely missing. The standard preposition used after 'devoid' is 'of'.
Why 'Devoid Of' is the Correct Choice
The phrase 'devoid of' is an idiomatic expression in English, meaning 'lacking in' or 'without'. Therefore, "devoid of truth" means entirely lacking truth or without truth. This fits the context of the sentence perfectly, describing a story that seems to have no truth in it.
- The structure is typically: devoid + of + [noun]
- Example: The landscape was devoid of any vegetation.
- Example: Her eyes were devoid of emotion.
In our sentence, "His story seems to be devoid of truth," follows this standard structure and meaning. This makes 'of' the correct preposition to fill in the blank.
Analyzing the Other Preposition Options
Let's look at why the other options for the preposition are not suitable in this context:
- From: While 'from' is a common preposition indicating separation or origin, it does not idiomatically follow 'devoid'. We might say 'free from', but not 'devoid from'.
- To: The preposition 'to' usually indicates direction, destination, or relationship. It does not fit grammatically or contextually after 'devoid'.
- In: The preposition 'in' is used for location, time, or state. It is not the correct preposition to use after 'devoid'. We don't say 'devoid in truth'.
Based on the standard usage in English grammar, the phrase 'devoid of' is the correct and most appropriate choice to complete the sentence. Choosing the correct preposition is essential for clear and accurate communication.
Therefore, the sentence should read: "His story seems to be devoid of truth."
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.
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He visits the needy to relieve them ______ their sufferings and poverty.
