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Question

Difficulty: EasyPrepositions and Prepositional Phrases

Which word correctly completes the sentence below?

"Following a thorough review of the evidence, the tribunal acquitted the officer ______ all allegations of gross misconduct."

  1. A
    from
  2. ofAnswer
  3. C
    with
  4. D
    off

Answer

The preposition 'of' correctly completes the sentence to yield 'acquitted of all allegations'.
In standard English grammar, certain verbs take specific dependent prepositions. The verb 'acquit' always pairs with 'of' when mentioning the criminal or administrative charges being cleared (e.g., 'acquitted of theft'). Thus, the option containing 'of' is correct.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the head verb in the sentence requiring a dependent preposition.
The main verb is 'acquitted'.
Prepositions following verbs of judicial outcome (e.g., acquit, convict, accuse) follow strict dependent preposition rules.
2
Apply the standard prepositional rule for 'acquit'.
The correct complement structure is 'acquit someone OF a crime/charge'.
'Acquit' takes 'of' to designate the charge or allegation from which a person is cleared.

Key Concept

Dependent prepositions following judicial verbs (acquit of)
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Topics

Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases

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