Identify the type of preposition underlined in the following sentence:...
Option C is the correct answer because 'prepositions of agency' are those prepositions that describe a person or a thing that has caused or is causing something to occur. In the given example the preposition 'by' describes that it was the fire that caused the house's destruction.
Option A is incorrect because a preposition of time answers the question when.
A preposition of contrast is that preposition which signifies the irony or the stark difference that one would find within the sentence. Hence option B is incorrect.
Option D is incorrect because prepositions of possession are used to express that something belongs to a person, animal or thing. eg. with, of, to and so on.
Identify the type of preposition underlined in the following sentence:...
The Concept of Preposition of Agency
In the sentence "The house was destroyed by fire," the preposition "by" introduces the agent responsible for the action.
Understanding Prepositions of Agency
- **Definition**: A preposition of agency indicates the doer or agent of an action, often in passive constructions.
- **Example**: In the sentence provided, "fire" is the agent that caused the destruction of the house.
Why Option C is Correct
- **Active Role of the Agent**: The preposition "by" clearly points to "fire" as the entity that performed the action.
- **Passive Voice Structure**: The sentence is in passive voice, where the focus is on the action (destruction) rather than who or what performed it.
Other Types of Prepositions
- **Preposition of Time**: Indicates when something happens (e.g., "at noon").
- **Preposition of Contrast**: Shows a difference (e.g., "unlike").
- **Preposition of Possession**: Indicates ownership (e.g., "of the house").
Conclusion
In summary, the correct choice is option 'C' because the sentence uses the preposition "by" to show that "fire" is the agent of destruction, fitting the definition of a preposition of agency.