Question

Choose the preposition : Government has bestowed ________ various privileges to the ethnic group.

• A. In
• B. To
• C. Of
• D. Upon

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Upon

Prepositional Usage: 'Upon' vs. Other Options

• Understanding 'Bestow': The verb 'bestow' means to grant or confer (a title, honor, or gift) upon someone. It often implies a formal or significant act of giving.
• Correct Preposition with 'Bestow': The most common and grammatically correct preposition to use with 'bestow' when indicating the recipient of a grant or honor is 'upon'.
• Example:** The government has bestowed upon the ethnic group various privileges.
• Distinguishing 'Upon' from 'On': While 'on' can sometimes be used interchangeably with 'upon', 'upon' often carries a more formal tone and can suggest a sense of action or movement towards the recipient. In the context of formal grants or bestowals, 'upon' is generally preferred.
• Common Prepositional Errors in Exams:** Questions testing prepositional usage are frequent in competitive exams. Pay close attention to verbs that have specific prepositional companions. For instance, 'depend on/upon', 'rely on/upon', 'insist on'.
• Context is Key:** Always consider the context of the sentence. The specific verb and the nuance it conveys will dictate the correct preposition. 'Bestow' signifies a giving *to* or *onto* someone or something, hence 'upon' fits this transitive action.