Select the correct alternative to fill in the blank with the correct preposition in the following sentence.
The poor and the downtrodden were deprived ______ their basic necessities.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
In English grammar, certain verbs are followed by specific prepositions. This is a case of a fixed preposition.
The verb deprive is almost always followed by the preposition of when indicating what has been taken away or kept from someone.
Structure: To deprive [someone] of [something]
Therefore, the most appropriate word that fits in the blank is ‘of’.
Complete sentence:
"The poor and the downtrodden were deprived of their basic necessities."