Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word.
Have you replied ______ her letter?
a. at
b. to
c. for
d. with

Answer 1

Hint: The verb phrase ‘to reply’ ends with a certain preposition. The object will determine the correct preposition to be used.

Complete step by step solution: Prepositions and postpositions, together called adpositions, are a class of words used to express spatial or temporal relations or mark various semantic roles. In short, it means that ‘prepositions’ are used to denote the position of the noun, or the verb.

These prepositions are fixed in the English language. For example, the phrase ‘go up/down’ the stairs is fixed. It conveys a specific meaning that cannot be subjected to change.
The phrase ‘to reply ___ something/someone’ also has a fixed preposition for this meaning. When you reply, you give an answer ‘to’ a question. So, you reply to something/someone.

Now, let’s look at the given options:

a. at - You cannot reply ‘at’ something. It is grammatically incorrect. So, this is an incorrect option.
b. to - This preposition completes the given verb, and it is grammatically correct. So, this is the correct answer.
c. for - This preposition does not make sense with the context of the given sentence. It doesn’t fit. So, this is an incorrect option.
d. with - To reply ‘with’ something is grammatically correct. However, in this context, it does not fit at all. So, this is an incorrect option.

Note: Differentiate between the meanings that each preposition gives the sentence. Choose the option that makes the most sense. It is important to note that the sentence should retain its meaning.