Select the correct alternative to fill in the blank with the correct preposition in the following sentence.
Neha tripped ______ the heap of garbage and fell onto the floor.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer
over
Explanation
The correct preposition is “over.” The phrasal verb “trip over” means to stumble because one's foot hits or catches on an object. Therefore, “Neha tripped over the heap of garbage and fell onto the floor” is the correct sentence.
The other options are incorrect. Option 1 (“onto”) indicates movement to a position on a surface. Option 2 (“against”) means in contact with something but is not used with “trip” in this context. Option 4 (“by”) indicates agency or proximity and does not fit the sentence.
Key Points
The correct collocation is “trip over” when someone stumbles because of an obstacle. Similar expressions include “fall over” and “knock over.”