Question

Choose the correct phrasal usage of the given words:
[I.] Trace to
[II.] Sparing of
[III.] Replete with
[IV.] Wonder at \bigskip

• A. I and III
• B. I, II and III
• C. II, III and IV
• D. None of the above
  \bigskip

Hint:

Even correct grammar does not ensure idiomatic usage. Context and register (formal/informal) matter.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Let’s assess the prepositional usage of each:
[I.] Trace to — Incomplete and awkward; correct usage often requires “trace \textit{back to}” or “can be traced to”.
[II.] Sparing of — Acceptable but rare and considered stilted in many contexts.
[III.] Replete with — Generally correct but used only in formal or literary context.
[IV.] Wonder at — Old-fashioned; “wonder about” is now more common and acceptable in modern usage. Given that none are fully idiomatic or contextually mainstream in present usage: \[ \boxed{\text{(D) None of the above}} \] \bigskip