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Question

Look at the underlined part of each sentence. Below each sentence are given three possible substitutions for the underlined part. If one of them (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, indicate your response against the corresponding letter. If none of the substitutions improves the sentence, indicate (d) as your response.

He did not abide with my decision.

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2017 General Knowledge Previous Year Paper (05-Feb-2017)
The correct answer is

By

Understanding the Correct Use of 'Abide'

The question asks us to identify the best way to complete the sentence "He did not abide with my decision." by replacing the underlined part "abide with". This requires knowledge of which preposition correctly follows the verb 'abide' when it is used in the sense of accepting or following something.

Analyzing the Verb 'Abide' and Prepositions

The verb 'abide' has a few different meanings in English. In the context of the sentence "He did not abide with my decision," 'abide' is used to mean accepting, complying with, or acting in accordance with a rule, decision, law, or agreement.

When 'abide' means to comply with or accept, the correct preposition to use after it is 'by'. The phrase "abide by" is a standard idiom.

  • Correct Usage: abide by + rule / decision / law / agreement / terms
  • Example: You must abide by the school rules.
  • Example: We will abide by the jury's decision.

The original sentence uses "abide with my decision," which is grammatically incorrect for this meaning of 'abide'.

Evaluating the Given Options

Let's examine the options provided for substitution:

  1. To: Substituting "with" with "to" would create the phrase "abide to my decision". This is not the standard or correct preposition to use with 'abide' in this context.
  2. By: Substituting "with" with "by" creates the phrase "abide by my decision". This is the correct and standard idiomatic usage when 'abide' means to accept or comply with a decision.
  3. For: Substituting "with" with "for" would create the phrase "abide for my decision". This is not a correct prepositional phrase used with 'abide' in the sense of complying with a decision.
  4. No improvement: Since option (b) "By" provides a grammatically correct and standard phrase that improves the original sentence, this option is not correct.

Correct Substitution for 'Abide with'

Comparing the options, "abide by" is the only correct and natural-sounding phrase to use when talking about accepting or following a decision. The sentence "He did not abide by my decision" is grammatically sound and conveys the intended meaning clearly.

Revision Table: Prepositions with 'Abide'

Meaning of 'Abide' Correct Preposition Example Sentence
To comply with, accept, follow (rules, decisions, laws, terms) by You must abide by the law.
To reside or dwell (often formal or old-fashioned) in, at, with They did abide in the village. / He abides with his uncle.
To tolerate or endure (often used with 'can't') No preposition after the object I cannot abide dishonesty.

Additional Information on 'Abide By'

The phrase "abide by" is a phrasal verb that specifically means to accept and act in accordance with a rule, decision, or set of principles. It implies a commitment to follow what has been decided or agreed upon. It is distinct from other uses of 'abide', such as 'abide in' or 'abide with' which relate to dwelling or living in a place or with someone, or 'abide' meaning to tolerate, which doesn't take a preposition with its object.

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Similar Questions

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Important Questions from Phrase Replacement

  1. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select No improvement.

    The questions are so simple that a child can understand it .

  2. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select No improvement.

    Even children shrink away from food thinking that they should become  overweight.

  3. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select No substitution required.

    The weather reports is prepared by the Meteorological Department of the Government.

  4. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select No improvement.

    He decided to leave very quickly the hotel.

  5. Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select ‘No substitution required’.

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