Question

Fill in the blank using the correct preposition from the choices given below. Please ensure the two sentences mean almost the same.
She will come by 9 a.m.
She will come ____ 9 a.m.
a) Before
b) Since
c) Around
d) After

Answer 1

Hint: A preposition is a word that is used to indicate the position of a noun or a pronoun and link it to other words in a sentence.

Complete step by step answer:
As given in the hint, prepositions highlight the relationship of a noun or a pronoun with the other words in a given sentence.
In the given question- She will come by 9 a.m. We understand that X will not come later than 9. Hence, we can conclude that she will not come before 9 a.m.
Now, let’s look at the given options:
a) Before- It is used to indicate an action that takes place prior to another action or event. Hence, it is the correct option.
b) Since- It refers to an action that has taken place from a past time until now. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
c) Around- It means to surround or encircle something. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
d) After- It is used to indicate an action that takes place in the wake of another action. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
The correct answer is Option ‘a’.

Note: You need to understand the meaning and function of each word to choose the most suitable option.