Select the correct option:
He devoted himself to the cause ____ body and soul.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. with.
Context: The sentence describes the intensity and completeness with which a person committed himself to a specific cause.
Grammatical concept: This question relates to the use of the idiomatic expression 'with body and soul.' An idiom is a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words.
Analysis of the given options:
With: This is the correct preposition used to form the idiom 'with body and soul,' which means involving all of one's efforts and enthusiasm.
By/In: These prepositions do not form a standard idiomatic expression with 'body and soul' in this context.
Heart: While 'heart and soul' is a common idiom, using it here would create the redundant phrase 'heart body and soul,' which is grammatically incorrect.
Correct word: with
Reason: The preposition 'with' correctly completes the phrase to show total commitment, fitting the context of devotion.
Final sentence: He devoted himself to the cause with body and soul.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.