The correct option to fill in the blank in the sentence "It is difficult these days to get a seat .... the plane in spite of a confirmed booking" is
C. on.
Step-by-Step Explanation:
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Understanding the Context: The sentence discusses the difficulty of obtaining a seat on a plane, which is a common scenario in air travel. The phrase "in spite of a confirmed booking" indicates that even with a reservation, there can still be challenges.
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Analyzing the Options:
- A. inside: This word typically refers to being within the physical confines of something. While you can be "inside" a plane, it does not convey the idea of having a seat on the plane. Therefore, this option is not appropriate in this context.
- B. in: The preposition "in" can imply being within something, similar to "inside." While it might seem somewhat relevant, it does not accurately express the idea of having a seat on a mode of transportation. Thus, this option is also not suitable.
- C. on: This preposition is commonly used when referring to modes of transportation, such as "on a bus," "on a train," or "on a plane." It indicates that you are traveling by that means of transport. Therefore, "on" is the most appropriate choice for this sentence.
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D. upon: This word is often used in more formal or literary contexts and can imply a sense of immediacy or condition. However, it is not commonly used in everyday language when referring to being on a mode of transport. Thus, it is not the best choice here.
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Why Option C is Correct: The phrase "get a seat on the plane" is idiomatic in English. It is the standard way to express the idea of having a reserved place for oneself while traveling by air. The use of "on" indicates that you are part of the group of passengers traveling by that aircraft.
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Common Pitfalls:
- Students may confuse "in" and "inside" with "on" when discussing transportation. Remember that "on" is the correct preposition for modes of transport.
- It's important to consider the idiomatic expressions in English, as they often do not follow strict logical rules but are based on common usage.
Revision Summary:
- The correct answer is C. on because it is the standard preposition used for modes of transportation.
- "Inside" and "in" imply being within something but do not convey the idea of traveling by that means.
- "Upon" is more formal and not commonly used in this context.
- Always consider idiomatic expressions in English when choosing prepositions related to travel.