Question

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would NOT be acceptable? (F) among (G) over (H) on (J) through

Short answer

Option (H) 'on'

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Context

Examine the sentence surrounding the underlined portion to understand its meaning and how the preposition functions within it.

Define Each Option

Consider the meaning of each preposition: 'among' implies being part of a group, 'over' suggests superiority or covering, 'on' typically indicates position or surface, and 'through' means moving from one side to another.

Substitute Each Option

Replace the underlined portion with each option to see which makes sense contextually: (F) among, (G) over, (H) on, and (J) through.

Identify Incorrect Usage

Determine which preposition does not fit the sentence's meaning or usage. Look for grammatical or contextual inconsistencies.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, recognize that 'on' (Option H) usually indicates position or surface, which may not make sense depending on the sentence context.

Key concepts

preposition usage

Prepositions are words that show relationships between elements in a sentence. They can indicate time, place, direction, or introduce an object. In the context of the ACT test, understanding preposition usage is crucial for choosing the correct answer in questions related to grammar and sentence structure.
Prepositions can often be tricky because they have various meanings and uses. For instance:

• 'among' is used when referring to being part of a group, relevant when discussing multiple entities.
• 'over' can denote superiority or covering something, useful in hierarchical or spatial descriptions.
• 'on' typically indicates a position or something being placed on a surface, which involves physical or metaphorical positioning.
• 'through' means passing from one side to another, used both in physical contexts and to express processes.

Knowing these subtleties helps in dissecting sentences to find grammatically appropriate choices during the test.

contextual analysis

Contextual analysis involves examining the surrounding text to derive the meaning and intent behind a word or phrase. This skill is essential in many aspects of the ACT, especially in identifying the correct preposition.
When analyzing context:

• Look at the entire sentence and even the sentences before and after.
• Identify the main verb and see how the preposition connects to elements of the sentence.
• Think about the logical flow of ideas and how the preposition affects the meaning.

For example, the exercise of substituting different prepositions ('among,' 'over,' 'on,' 'through') requires you to view their fit within the sentence. 'Among' fits well in group contexts, 'over' in hierarchical structures, 'on' in positional references, and 'through' in transitional scenarios.
An incorrect preposition disrupts the sentence flow, making it awkward or changing the intended meaning. By understanding the context, you select the preposition that maintains coherence and meaning.

step-by-step problem-solving

Adopting a step-by-step problem-solving strategy is highly effective for tackling ACT questions. This systematic approach ensures no detail is overlooked.
Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:
1. Understand the Context: Carefully read the sentence and identify how the preposition is supposed to function.
2. Define Each Option: Know the meanings and typical uses of each preposition provided in the options.
3. Substitute Each Option: Replace the underlined portion with each preposition one at a time. Check if it maintains the sentence’s original meaning and readability.
4. Identify Incorrect Usage: Pinpoint which preposition feels out of place or grammatically incorrect within the sentence. This often shows up as an awkward flow or a shifted meaning.
5. Conclusion: Based on the elimination, conclude which preposition would NOT be acceptable. Most often, this preposition doesn’t fit contextually or alters the sentence's intended meaning.
By breaking down the problem into manageable steps, you can methodically approach and solve it with confidence.