Question

Combine the following sentences using a preposition with a noun or gerund:
She stood on a stool. She reached for the jar on the shelf. [Intermediate]

• A. She stood on a stool and reached for the jar on the shelf.
• B. Standing on a stool, she reached for the jar on the shelf.
• C. She reached for the jar on the shelf standing on the stool.
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B Standing on a stool, she reached for the jar on the shelf.

While combining a sentence with a preposition, it is often followed by a noun or a gerund. When the given sentences are combined, a gerund/noun follows the preposition.
Option B uses a preposition + noun, 'on a stool' while combining the sentences; thereby retaining the meaning of the sentence. Hence B is correct.
Option A does not use a preposition + noun/gerund combination; it uses the conjunction 'and'. Hence A is incorrect.
Option C has changed in meaning, the phrase 'standing on the stool' modifies the shelf, as if the shelf is standing on the stool. Hence option C is incorrect.
Option D is incorrect because the answer lies in B.