Preposition Usage Explained

This solution explains the correct choice of prepositions to fill in the blanks in the given sentences, focusing on the distinct meanings of beside, besides, between, and among.

Sentence (i): Proximity

Question: Harsha was standing _______ Swapna.

The sentence requires a preposition indicating physical closeness or adjacency.

• Beside means 'next to' or 'at the side of'.
• Besides means 'in addition to'.

The context clearly indicates Harsha's position relative to Swapna. Therefore, beside is the correct choice.

Sentence (ii): Addition

Question: Madhu plays Tennis _______ Chess.

This sentence implies Madhu engages in Tennis in addition to playing Chess.

• Besides means 'in addition to'.
• Between typically implies a choice or relation involving two items.

Besides accurately conveys that Tennis is played along with Chess.

Sentence (iii): Distribution (Two People)

Question: Share the cake _______ the two of you.

The phrase "the two of you" specifies exactly two recipients.

• Between is used when referring to two people or things.
• Among is used for three or more.

The correct preposition for two people is between.

Sentence (iv): Distribution (More Than Two People)

Question: He divided the property _______ his four sons.

The phrase "his four sons" clearly indicates more than two recipients.

• Among is used for distribution involving three or more people or things.
• Between is strictly for two.

Therefore, the correct preposition for four sons is among.

Summary of Correct Fillers

The correct prepositions for the sentences are:

• (i) beside
• (ii) besides
• (iii) between
• (iv) among

Matching these to the provided options indicates the correct sequence.