Question

Fill in the blank with the correct option:
Mukesh is junior _____ me

a) than
b) to
c) from
d) of

Answer 1

Hint: A preposition is a function word that combines with a noun or pronoun or noun phrase to form a prepositional phrase that can have an adverbial or adjectival relation to some other word.

Complete answer:

Let us analyze the options given to us in this question:
Option (a.), 'than', refers to a proposition that introduces a comparison, and is associated with comparatives, and with words such as more, less, and fewer. Typically, it seeks to measure the force of an adjective or similar description between two predicates.
Therefore, option (a.) is incorrect as there is no comparison indicated in the given sentence.

Option (b.), ‘to', refers to a proposition that is used after a comparative adjective to indicate its inferiority/superiority.
So, the correct answer is “Option b”. as here, ‘junior’ is a comparative adjective which shows that ‘he’ is smaller in age than ‘me’.

Option (c.), ‘from', refers to a preposition which means ‘with the origin, starting point or initial reference of or at.’
Therefore, option (c.) is incorrect as ‘me’ is not a starting point here for being ‘junior’.

Option (d.), ‘of', refers to a proposition that expresses origin, subject matter, possession etcetera.
Therefore, option (d.) is incorrect as this sentence does not indicate the expression of any of these.

Note: In this type of question, it is important to realize the meaning of the adjective before the blank to select the right preposition.
The word ‘junior’ as an adjective refers to someone younger; lower in rank; shorter in the length of tenure or service. Some synonyms are- younger, youngest, subordinate, secondary, under, beneath.