The sentence(s) 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 and click the button corresponding to it. I do not agree _____ my colleagues in this matter.
With
Understanding Prepositions with the Verb "Agree"
The question asks us to fill in the blank in the sentence "I do not agree _____ my colleagues in this matter" with the most appropriate word from the given options. This sentence requires a preposition to connect the verb "agree" to the noun phrase "my colleagues".
The verb "agree" can be followed by different prepositions, depending on what you are agreeing with or to. Let's look at the common usages:
- Agree with: This is used when you agree or disagree with a person, or with someone's opinion, statement, or idea. For example, "I agree with you" or "She agrees with his proposal".
- Agree to: This is used when you agree to a suggestion, proposal, plan, or action. For example, "They agreed to the terms" or "He agreed to help".
- Agree on/upon: This is used when two or more people reach a mutual decision or consensus about a specific topic, plan, or price after discussion. For example, "We agreed on a meeting time" or "The countries agreed upon a trade deal".
In the given sentence, the blank is followed by "my colleagues", which refers to people. The structure "agree _____ someone" typically uses the preposition "with" when expressing agreement or disagreement with that person. The sentence "I do not agree _____ my colleagues" means the speaker holds a different opinion from their colleagues on a specific matter.
Let's evaluate the options based on this understanding:
- Option 1: To - "Agree to" is used for suggestions, plans, actions, not people. So, "agree to my colleagues" is incorrect.
- Option 2: Of - "Agree of" is not a standard grammatical construction.
- Option 3: With - "Agree with" is used for people, opinions, and statements. This fits the context perfectly as the speaker is disagreeing with their colleagues (people).
- Option 4: On - "Agree on" is used for reaching a mutual decision on a topic, not for agreeing/disagreeing with people themselves. So, "agree on my colleagues" is incorrect.
Therefore, the appropriate preposition to complete the sentence "I do not agree _____ my colleagues in this matter" is "with". The complete sentence is "I do not agree with my colleagues in this matter."
The correct option is With.
| Preposition | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| With | Agreeing/Disagreeing with a person or their opinion/statement | I agree with you. / She doesn't agree with his idea. |
| To | Agreeing to a suggestion, proposal, plan, action | We agreed to the proposal. / He agreed to go. |
| On/Upon | Reaching a mutual decision on a specific topic/plan | They agreed on the price. / We couldn't agree upon the terms. |
Revision Table: Prepositions with "Agree"
Here is a quick summary for revising the usage of prepositions with the verb "agree":
| Verb + Preposition | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Agree with | For people, opinions, statements |
| Agree to | For suggestions, proposals, plans, actions |
| Agree on/upon | For a decision reached by multiple parties on a topic |
Additional Information on Verb-Preposition Collocations
Understanding which preposition follows a particular verb is crucial for correct English grammar. These verb-preposition combinations are often called collocations. Learning these by heart and through practice can significantly improve sentence construction and fluency.
Some verbs commonly followed by specific prepositions include:
- Look at (examine, observe)
- Listen to (pay attention to sound)
- Talk about (discuss a topic)
- Talk to/with (communicate with a person)
- Rely on (depend on)
- Believe in (have faith in)
- Belong to (be the property of)
Paying close attention to how verbs are used with different prepositions in native English content can help solidify your understanding.
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.
