The correct option to complete the sentence "My little boy is hyper-active and he is therefore prone .... accidents" is
C. to.
Explanation of the Correct Answer
- Understanding the Phrase "Prone to":
-
The phrase "prone to" is commonly used in English to indicate a tendency or likelihood to experience something, often something negative. In this context, saying someone is "prone to accidents" means that they are likely to have accidents due to their hyperactive nature.
-
Contextual Fit:
- The sentence describes a characteristic of the little boy (being hyper-active) and connects it to a consequence (being likely to have accidents). The preposition "to" effectively links the tendency (prone) with the outcome (accidents).
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
- A. with respect to:
-
This phrase is used to indicate a relationship or reference to something. For example, "with respect to safety regulations." It does not convey the idea of being likely to experience something, which is what the sentence requires. Therefore, it does not fit the context of the sentence.
-
B. for:
-
The preposition "for" is often used to indicate purpose or reason. For example, "He is known for his kindness." In this case, "prone for accidents" does not make sense in English. The correct usage would be "prone to," not "prone for."
-
D. about:
- The preposition "about" is used to indicate the subject of a discussion or concern. For example, "We talked about the weather." Saying "prone about accidents" is grammatically incorrect and does not convey the intended meaning of likelihood or tendency.
Summary of Key Points
- The correct answer is C. to because "prone to" indicates a tendency or likelihood of experiencing something.
- "With respect to," "for," and "about" do not fit the context of the sentence and are grammatically incorrect in this usage.
- Understanding the meaning of phrases and their appropriate prepositions is crucial for constructing correct sentences in English.
Revision Summary
- "Prone to" indicates a tendency or likelihood of something happening.
- The correct preposition in this context is "to."
- Other options do not convey the intended meaning and are grammatically incorrect.
- Familiarity with common phrases and their usage is essential for mastering English grammar.