The correct option to complete the sentence "The chairman of the company was very sympathetic .... his staff" is A. to. Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Understanding the Word "Sympathetic":
2. The word "sympathetic" means showing compassion, understanding, or kindness towards someone else's feelings or situation. It is often used to describe a person who is able to understand and share the feelings of another.
3. Identifying the Preposition:
4. In English, certain adjectives are commonly paired with specific prepositions. The adjective "sympathetic" is typically followed by the preposition "to" when referring to the people or groups to whom one is showing sympathy.
5. Constructing the Sentence:
6. When we say "sympathetic to his staff," it indicates that the chairman understands and cares about the feelings and situations of his staff members. This is the correct and natural way to express this sentiment in English.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

• B. at:
• The preposition "at" does not fit with "sympathetic." It is generally used to indicate a location or a point in time, and does not convey the idea of understanding or compassion towards someone. For example, "He is at the office" does not relate to feelings or emotions.
• C. for:
• While "for" can sometimes be used in contexts involving support or advocacy, it does not work with "sympathetic" in this context. Saying "sympathetic for his staff" is not standard English. It would imply a different meaning, suggesting that the chairman is sympathetic on behalf of his staff, which is not the intended meaning.
• D. from:
• The preposition "from" indicates a source or origin, which does not apply here. Saying "sympathetic from his staff" would imply that the staff is the source of the chairman's sympathy, which is not the intended meaning of the sentence.

Summary of Key Points:

• The correct preposition to use with "sympathetic" is "to."
• "Sympathetic to" indicates understanding and compassion towards someone.
• The other options (at, for, from) do not convey the intended meaning and are grammatically incorrect in this context.
• Understanding the correct prepositions that follow certain adjectives is crucial for proper sentence construction in English.

Revision Summary:

• "Sympathetic" is followed by "to" when referring to people.
• The sentence should read: "The chairman of the company was very sympathetic to his staff."
• Incorrect options do not convey the intended meaning or are grammatically unsuitable.
• Familiarize yourself with common adjective-preposition pairings for better English fluency.