In the following question, the sentence given with blank to be filled in with an appropriate word. Select the correct alternative out of the four and indicate it by selecting the appropriate option. Although his brother is blind, he is very fast _____ calculations.
At
Understanding Prepositions in English Grammar
The question asks us to complete a sentence with the most appropriate word from the given options. The sentence is: "Although his brother is blind, he is very fast _____ calculations." We need to choose a preposition that fits naturally after the adjective "fast" when describing proficiency or speed in a particular activity or skill.
Choosing the Right Preposition for Speed and Skill
When we talk about being quick, skilled, or proficient in an activity or subject, the preposition 'at' is commonly used after adjectives like 'fast', 'good', 'bad', 'skilled', 'excellent', etc.
- If you are good at something, you perform it well.
- If you are bad at something, you perform it poorly.
- If you are fast at something, you perform it quickly.
In the given sentence, the phrase "very fast _____ calculations" indicates that the brother is quick when performing calculations. This is a specific skill or activity.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the provided options and see which one fits the context:
- In: The preposition 'in' is often used to indicate location, or to talk about being involved in something (e.g., 'involved in a project'), or sometimes with subjects (e.g., 'interested in history'). While you might say 'fast in a race', when referring to a mental skill like calculations, 'at' is the standard preposition.
- With: The preposition 'with' is used to indicate accompaniment, using a tool, or showing a relationship. For example, 'fast with a computer' might imply using a computer quickly, but 'fast with calculations' doesn't correctly convey the idea of performing calculations quickly as a skill.
- At: The preposition 'at' is used to indicate proficiency or speed in an activity or skill. "Fast at calculations" means quick in performing calculations. This usage aligns perfectly with the common grammatical structure for expressing skill or speed in a specific area.
- About: The preposition 'about' is used to talk about a topic or subject. For example, 'talking about calculations'. It does not fit here to describe speed or skill.
Determining the Correct Preposition
Based on standard English grammar and the idiomatic use of prepositions with adjectives describing skill or speed, 'at' is the correct choice to complete the sentence.
The completed sentence is: "Although his brother is blind, he is very fast at calculations."
Revision Table: Prepositions with Skill Adjectives
| Adjective | Preposition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Good | At | She is good at playing chess. |
| Bad | At | He is bad at remembering names. |
| Skilled | At | They are skilled at solving problems. |
| Fast | At | She is fast at typing. |
| Slow | At | He is slow at making decisions. |
Additional Information: Prepositions Following Adjectives
Prepositions often follow adjectives to complete their meaning, especially when referring to a relationship, state, or skill. The choice of preposition is often idiomatic, meaning it's based on common usage rather than strict rules. Here are a few other examples:
- Afraid of heights
- Angry with you
- Different from/to something
- Interested in music
- Responsible for the task
Learning which preposition follows a particular adjective or verb is key to mastering natural-sounding English sentences like the one about being fast at calculations.
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.
