Question

Fill in the blank with a suitable preposition:
This year there has been an increase _______ the number of books sold.

• A. On
• B. For
• C. In
• D. At

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

In

The concept of preposition is required to determine the correct answer.

Option A- On is used to indicate place, specific date, direction, by means of. It does not fit correctly in the given sentence. Hence it is incorrect.

Option B- For is used to indicate a space of time, use of something, to show who is intended to have or use something. It is incorrect as it does not bring out the meaning of the sentence.

Option C- In is used to indicate inclusion within space, a place, or limits, inclusion within or occurrence during a period or limit of time. The given sentence indicates an occurrence with a given period of time. Hence 'in' is the correct answer.

Option D- At is used to indicate a point of time or place, state, direction. age or occupation, degree. Thus it is incorrect.