'The king lives __ the palace'. Which preposition will be used in this place?

Appeared in: DSSSB 12 August 2024

Explanation

The preposition 'in' is used to denote a location inside an enclosed space, a building, or a larger geographical area.
A 'palace' is a type of building, which is an enclosed space.
Therefore, 'in' is the grammatically correct preposition to indicate that the king resides inside the palace.

Option A: The preposition 'for' is used to indicate purpose or duration, not a static physical location.
Option C: The preposition 'to' indicates movement or direction towards a destination, not a static position within it.
Option D: The preposition 'on' is used to describe a position on a surface, not inside a structure.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Prepositions of Place as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While this is a grammar question, precise language is critical in all professional settings, including nursing.
Clear communication ensures accuracy in patient charting, medication orders, and handoff reports, preventing misunderstandings and medical errors.
What if the sentence was about movement? If the king was traveling towards the palace, the correct preposition would be 'to', as in 'The king is returning to the palace'.

How to Approach the Question

First, read the sentence and identify the blank that needs to be filled: 'The king lives __ the palace'.
Analyze the noun that follows the blank, which is 'the palace'. Recognize that a palace is a building, an enclosed space.
Consider the verb 'lives', which describes a state of being in a location, not movement towards it.
Recall the rules for common prepositions of place: 'in' for enclosed spaces, 'on' for surfaces, and 'at' for specific points.
Evaluate the options: 'for' (purpose/duration), 'to' (movement), and 'on' (surface) do not fit the context.
Conclude that 'in' is the only preposition that correctly describes living inside a building.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full DSSSB 12 August 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.