Question

Ramesh has been absent ........................ Friday.
(Choose the correct option)

• A. since
• B. from
• C. for
• D. by

Hint:

A simple way to remember is to ask a question. If the answer is a duration ("How long?"), use \textbf{for}. If the answer is a starting point ("Since when?"), use \textbf{since}.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests the correct usage of prepositions of time, specifically with the present perfect tense ("has been"). The choice between "for" and "since" is a common point of confusion.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
- Use for with a period or duration of time (e.g., for two hours, for five days, for a long time).
- Use since with a specific point in time in the past (e.g., since 9 AM, since Monday, since 2020).
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
1. Identify the Tense: The sentence "Ramesh has been absent" is in the present perfect tense. This tense is often used to describe an action that started in the past and continues to the present.
2. Identify the Time Reference: The time reference given is "Friday." "Friday" is a specific point in time, marking the beginning of Ramesh's absence.
3. Apply the Rule: Because "Friday" is a point in time, the correct preposition to use is "since." The sentence means that the absence started on Friday and has continued up to now.
4. Analyze the Options:
- (A) since: Correct, used for a point in time.
- (B) from: "From" is usually used with "to" or "until" to mark a start and end point (e.g., "from Friday to Monday"). It doesn't fit here.
- (C) for: Incorrect, used for a duration of time (e.g., "for three days").
- (D) by: Incorrect, "by" means "not later than" (e.g., "be back by Friday").
Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct preposition is (A) "since".