Directions: The following sentence in this section has a blank space and four words or groups of words are given after the sentence. Select the most appropriate word or group of words for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly. He is a man ________ means.
of
Understanding the Phrase: "A Man ________ Means"
The question asks us to complete the sentence "He is a man ________ means" by selecting the most appropriate word from the given options.
Let's look at the options provided:
- for
- in
- of
- above
We need to choose the preposition that correctly fits into the blank space to form a meaningful and grammatically correct phrase in English.
Analyzing the Phrase "A Man of Means"
The phrase "a man of means" is a common idiom in English. It describes a person who has significant financial resources or wealth. The word "means" in this context refers to wealth or property.
Consider the usage of prepositions with nouns to indicate possession, characteristic, or origin. In this specific idiomatic phrase, the preposition 'of' is used to connect 'man' with 'means', signifying that the man possesses or is characterized by 'means' (wealth).
Let's examine why 'of' is the correct choice and why the other options do not fit:
- for: "A man for means" is not a standard English phrase and does not convey the intended meaning of being wealthy. 'For' typically indicates purpose, duration, or destination.
- in: "A man in means" is also not a standard idiom. 'In' usually indicates location or state.
- of: "A man of means" is the correct and standard idiom meaning a wealthy man. This usage of 'of' indicates possession or belonging (having means).
- above: "A man above means" could potentially imply someone who doesn't care about wealth or is superior to wealth, but it is not the conventional phrase for a wealthy person. 'Above' typically indicates a higher position or superiority.
Therefore, the only preposition that forms the correct and widely understood idiom for a wealthy person is 'of'.
The Correct Sentence
Using the correct preposition, the sentence becomes:
He is a man of means.
This sentence correctly conveys that he is a wealthy man.
Based on this analysis, the most appropriate word for the blank space is 'of'.
Revision Table: Prepositions and Usage
| Preposition | Common Usage Examples | Fit in "A man ___ means"? |
|---|---|---|
| for | Prepared for the test, walk for an hour, gift for you | No, not standard idiom |
| in | In the room, in trouble, dressed in black | No, not standard idiom |
| of | Man of means, cup of tea, quality of life, born of noble family | Yes, forms the idiom "a man of means" |
| above | Above the clouds, above suspicion, above average | No, not the standard idiom for wealth |
Additional Information: Idioms with 'Of'
Many English idioms use the preposition 'of' to connect a person (or thing) to a characteristic, quality, or possession. Understanding these patterns helps in choosing the correct preposition. Some examples include:
- A person of integrity
- A place of interest
- A matter of urgency
- A question of time
- A man of his word
These phrases demonstrate how 'of' is used to link a noun to another noun or phrase that describes a quality, type, or characteristic it possesses or is associated with.
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.
