Grammar: Preposition Use with Time References
The sentence "She hasn't called me ______ Monday" requires a preposition that connects the action (or lack thereof) to a specific starting point in time. The verb phrase "hasn't called" is in the present perfect tense, which is often used to talk about actions that started in the past and continue to the present, or have relevance to the present.
Choosing the Correct Preposition
Let's analyze the role of each preposition:
- Since: This preposition is used to indicate the starting point of a period. When used with the present perfect tense, it means the action has been happening (or not happening) from that specific point until now. Example: "I haven't seen him since last year." In our sentence, "She hasn't called me since Monday" correctly implies that the period of not calling started on Monday and continues to the present moment.
- For: This preposition is used to indicate a duration or period of time, not a specific starting point. Example: "I haven't called her for three days." Using "for Monday" would be incorrect as Monday is a specific point, not a duration.
- On: This preposition is typically used for specific days or dates when an action occurs. Example: "She called me on Monday." While grammatically sound in other contexts, using "on" with "hasn't called" and the implied continuation to the present isn't standard for this meaning. It doesn't fit the pattern of indicating a starting point for an ongoing state of 'not calling'.
- At: This preposition is used for specific clock times, not days. Example: "She called me at 9 AM." It is unsuitable for referring to a day like Monday in this context.
Sentence Completion Analysis
Considering the structure and tense of the sentence, "since" is the most appropriate preposition to indicate that the lack of a call began on Monday and has continued up to the present time.
Therefore, the completed sentence reads: "She hasn't called me since Monday."
Similar Questions
Select the option that can replace the underlined phrase and make the sentence grammatically correct.
After flip through half dozen profiles with the same name, he chance upon Elina’s profile, he succeed in zeroing in on her now recognisable face.
Sentences of a paragraph are given below in jumbled order. Arrange the sentences in the correct order to form a meaningful and coherent paragraph.
a. People come from divergent families, nations, faiths, political structures and ethnicities.
b. Their beliefs constitute distinct moral frameworks.
c. Respect for these ideals or for human dignity will define society’s functioning.
d. Respect and compromise are essential components of human dignity among the diverse members of any community.
- Choose the correct option to complete the sentence.
The hospital staff ensured proper ______ conditions in every ward. - Choose the correct option to complete the sentence.
Due to the accident, she had a deep ______ on her arm. - Choose the correct option to complete the sentence.
She contracted a cold and had problems with stuffy ______. (4)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(3)
Important Questions from Fill in the blanks
- The sentences given with blanks are to be filled with an appropriate word(s). Four alternatives are suggested for each question. For each question, choose the correct alternative.
Light is _____ than sound. - The sentences given with blanks are to be filled with an appropriate word(s). Four alternatives are suggested for each question. For each question, choose the correct alternative.
The man _____ for the purpose never did what was expected of him. - The sentences given with blanks are to be filled with an appropriate word(s). Four alternatives are suggested for each question. For each question, choose the correct alternative.
There was a serious _____ between the two brothers. Fill in the blank with an appropriate word(s).
The starving man _____ able to walk.Fill in the blank with an appropriate word(s).
The new railway counter at Dwarka should _____ all travellers.
