NIMCET 2024 — English PYQ

To determine the correct sentence, let us systematically evaluate the fixed preposition rules for each option:

Evaluating the Options

• A. Prefer coffee over tea

  • Analysis: The verb prefer is used to show a liking for one thing over another. While $\text{"prefer... to"}$ is highly traditional, $\text{"prefer... over"}$ is widely accepted as grammatically structurally sound in competitive examinations to denote comparison.

    $$\text{Pattern: }\text{Prefer}+{\text{Noun}}_1+\text{over/to}+{\text{Noun}}_2\to \text{Correct}$$

• B. He is interested on learning new languages

  • Analysis: This is incorrect. The adjective interested is always paired with the fixed preposition "in", not "on".

    $$\text{Incorrect: }\text{interested on}⟹\text{Correct: }\text{interested in}$$

• C. She arrived to the party at 8 pm.

  • Analysis: This is incorrect. The verb arrive takes the preposition "at" for specific locations or events (like a party) and "in" for cities or countries. The preposition "to" implies movement towards a destination, which is handled by verbs like go or travel.

    $$\text{Incorrect: }\text{arrived to}⟹\text{Correct: }\text{arrived at (the party)}$$

• D. They were surprised of the sudden announcement

  • Analysis: This is incorrect. The adjective surprised is paired with the fixed preposition "at" or "by" when reacting to an event or news, never "of".

    $$\text{Incorrect: }\text{surprised of}⟹\text{Correct: }\text{surprised at / surprised by}$$

Conclusion

$$\text{Correct Formula: }\text{Interested in}|\text{Arrived at}|\text{Surprised at}$$