Question

A part of the sentence is underlined. Below are alternatives to the underlined part (a, b, and c) which may improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case no improvement is needed, select option d.

We spent an hour discussing with his character.

• A. on his character
• B. of his character
• C. his character
• D. No improvement

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

his character

'Character' is an abstract noun, it means 'mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual'. The phrase 'with his character' is not relevant to the sentence, you cannot discuss with an abstract quality, but you can discuss an abstract quality. Hence the preposition 'with' must be removed, leaving the phrase 'his character'. So, option D is incorrect and C is correct.
Similarly, 'on his character' is also irrelevant, 'on' means 'the top surface', for example: on the table, on the sofa, etc. Hence, it isn't required here and A is incorrect.
'Of' expresses 'a relation between a part and a whole' or 'an association between two entities', for example, 3 out of 5, a friend of mine. Hence B is incorrect.