The correct option to fill the gap in the sentence is
A. to.
Explanation of the Correct Answer
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Understanding the Context: The sentence states that Grace has a reaction (sneezing) when she is near someone who is smoking. This indicates that she has a negative physical response to smoke, which is characteristic of an allergy.
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Using the Correct Preposition: In English, the phrase "allergic to" is the standard expression used to indicate a sensitivity or adverse reaction to a substance. Therefore, we say someone is "allergic to pollen," "allergic to peanuts," or in this case, "allergic to smoke."
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Grammatical Structure: The structure "allergic to" is a fixed phrase in English. The preposition "to" is used to connect the adjective "allergic" with the noun that describes what the person is allergic to.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
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B. from: The phrase "allergic from" is not standard in English. While "from" can indicate a source or origin, it does not work with the adjective "allergic." We do not say someone is allergic from a substance; rather, we specify what they are allergic to.
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C. for: The phrase "allergic for" is also incorrect. "For" typically indicates purpose or reason, which does not apply in this context. We do not use "for" to describe allergies.
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D. with: The phrase "allergic with" is not used in standard English. "With" can indicate accompaniment or association, but it does not convey the meaning of having an allergy.
Summary of Key Points
- The correct phrase is "allergic to," which indicates a negative reaction to a substance.
- The other options (from, for, with) do not fit grammatically or contextually with the adjective "allergic."
- Understanding fixed phrases in English is crucial for correct usage.
Revision Summary
- The correct answer is A. to.
- "Allergic to" is the standard expression used to indicate a sensitivity to a substance.
- Other options (from, for, with) do not fit the context or grammatical structure.
- Familiarity with fixed phrases enhances language proficiency and accuracy.