SSC Stenographer 2025 PYQ — Question 196

SSC Stenographer - 07 Aug 2025 - Shift 1 • English • Q196

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

The teacher advised him to abstain _______ bad company.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

Fixed Preposition: The verb ‘abstain’ is a "verb of separation" and is almost always followed by the preposition from.

Meaning: To "abstain from" something means to restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something, especially something considered harmful or improper.

Usage in Context: In this sentence, the teacher is advising the student to stay away from or avoid "bad company," making "from" the only grammatically correct choice.

The most appropriate option to fill in the blank is from.

The sentence should read: "The teacher advised him to abstain from bad company."