The correct option to complete the sentence "His suggestions are completely .... the point and cannot be accepted" is
C. beside.
Explanation of the Correct Answer (C. beside)
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Understanding the Phrase: The phrase "beside the point" is an idiomatic expression in English. It means that something is irrelevant or not related to the main issue being discussed. In this context, saying that "his suggestions are completely beside the point" indicates that the suggestions do not address the main topic or concern at hand.
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Contextual Clarity: The sentence implies that the suggestions made are not only irrelevant but also cannot be accepted because they do not contribute meaningfully to the discussion. This aligns perfectly with the meaning of "beside the point."
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
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A. to: The phrase "to the point" is a common expression that means something is relevant or directly related to the subject. If we used "to" in the sentence, it would imply that his suggestions are relevant, which contradicts the intended meaning of the sentence. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
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B. about: The phrase "about the point" does not form a standard idiomatic expression in English. While it could suggest a discussion related to the point, it lacks the clarity and impact of "beside the point." It does not convey the idea of irrelevance effectively, making it a weaker choice.
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D. on: The phrase "on the point" could imply that something is directly related to the topic, similar to "to the point." Again, this would contradict the meaning of the sentence, which is to express that the suggestions are not relevant. Thus, this option is also incorrect.
Summary of Key Points
- The correct answer is C. beside, as it accurately conveys the idea of irrelevance.
- "Beside the point" is an idiomatic expression meaning not relevant to the main issue.
- Options A ("to"), B ("about"), and D ("on") suggest relevance, which contradicts the intended meaning of the sentence.
- Understanding idiomatic expressions is crucial for selecting the most suitable option in such contexts.
Revision Summary
- "Beside the point" means irrelevant to the main issue.
- The correct answer is C. beside.
- Options A, B, and D imply relevance, making them incorrect.
- Familiarity with idiomatic expressions enhances comprehension and selection skills in English.