Question

Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part of the sentence:

You must prevent your brother to do such things.

• A. from doing such things
• B. of doing such things
• C. not to do such things
• D. doing such things

Answer 1

Answer:

A. from doing such things

The core grammar rule tested here involves fixed prepositional patterns (collocations) used with specific verbs:

1 The Pattern for 'Prevent':

The verb "prevent" cannot be followed by an infinitive structure (to + verb). Instead, it strictly follows a fixed idiomatic pattern:

Prevent + Someone/Something + from + Verb-ing (Gerund)

Incorrect: Prevent someone to do something.

Correct: Prevent someone from doing something.

2 Similar Verbs following this pattern:

Many verbs that denote stopping, separating, or protecting follow this exact same structure with the preposition "from":

Prohibit someone from entering

Stop someone from going

Abstain/Refrain from smoking