Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option:
Raman can speak Telugu_________ Marathi and English
A) as well as
B) With
C) beside
D) alongside

Answer 1

Hint: Prepositions are function words used to link a noun phrase with other elements of a sentence.

Complete answer:
From the hint given to us, we understand what prepositions are. We observe that in the given sentence, we must fill the blank with the most suitable preposition. The preposition must fit the context of the sentence. Let us now analyse the given options to find the correct answer.

A) As well indicates the meaning in addition to. It is a preposition.
For example: I love to play basketball as well as football and cricket.
We observe that it correctly fits the context of the given sentence and hence, we can say that option ‘a’ is the correct answer.
B) With is used to indicate a combination or accompaniment. It is a preposition.
For example: He was last seen with his friend, in the park.
We observe that it does not correctly fit the context of the given sentence and hence we can say that option ‘b’ is not the correct answer.
C) Beside means close to right next to. It is a preposition.
For example: A child was sitting beside me.
We observe that it does not correctly fit the context of the given sentence and hence we can say that option ‘c’ is not the correct answer.
D) Alongside indicates the meaning along the side of. It is a preposition.
For example: The two boys were running alongside the road.
We observe that it does not correctly fit the context of the given sentence and hence we can say that option ‘d’ is not the correct answer.

Thus, we can conclude that option ‘a’ - ‘as well as’ is the correct answer.

Note: As well as is also used as conjunction. However, in the given context of the sentence, it acts as the suitable preposition.