Question

. The king ruled ............. a vast empire. Pick the correct preposition

• A. from
• B. over
• C. about
• D. by

Answer 1

Answer:

B. over

Prepositions: 'Over'

Usage of 'Over' indicating Control or Authority

• The preposition 'over' is commonly used to denote control, authority, or rule.
• When referring to a territory or a group of people, 'over' signifies the extent of a ruler's dominion.
• Examples include:
• The general has command over the troops.
• She has great influence over her colleagues.
• The company has established dominance over the market.

'Over' in the Context of Kingship and Empires

• In historical contexts, 'over' is the standard preposition to express a monarch's reign or control concerning their empire.
• It implies that the king's power and jurisdiction extended throughout the entirety of that empire.
• The phrase "ruled over" is idiomatic and widely accepted in English grammar for this specific meaning.

Distinguishing from Other Prepositions

• While other prepositions like 'in' or 'within' might refer to the location of the empire, 'over' specifically describes the relationship of rule and authority.
• 'Through' might imply passing or traversing, not ruling.
• 'On' is generally not used in this context of rulership.