Fill in the blank with most appropriate option:
She insisted ... paying the bill herself.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer
on
Explanation
The question tests your knowledge of fixed prepositions. In English grammar, certain verbs are always followed by a specific preposition, regardless of the context.
The verb insist demands the preposition on (or "upon") when it is followed by a noun or a gerund (a verb ending in -ing). In this sentence, the verb "insisted" is immediately followed by the gerund "paying," making "on" the necessary link.
Let's look at why the other options are incorrect:
The phrase "insisted at" is grammatically incorrect because "at" is used for specific times or locations.
The phrase "insisted in" is incorrect because "in" relates to boundaries, physical spaces, or blocks of time.
The phrase "insisted about" is a common mistake because speakers confuse it with phrases like "talked about" or "argued about," but it is entirely incorrect to use with the verb insist.
Therefore, Option 3 is the correct choice.
Key Points
To score well on preposition questions during competitive exams, try to memorize common dependent preposition pairs.
Verbs that take on include: insist on, depend on, rely on, congratulate on.
Verbs that take in include: believe in, succeed in, persist in.