‘Select the most appropriate option to improve the bold part of the sentence.
The meeting will begin by 3 PM.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
'At' for Precise Time: In English, we use the preposition 'at' to denote a specific, precise point in time (e.g., at 3 PM, at noon, at sunset). Since a meeting has a specific scheduled start time, 'at' is the most standard choice.
'By' vs. 'At': While 'The meeting will begin by 3 PM' is grammatically possible, it implies a deadline (it will start no later than 3 PM). In most professional or standard contexts, a meeting is scheduled for a fixed time, making 'at' more appropriate.
On: Used for days and dates (e.g., on Monday, on July 4th).
From: Used to show the starting point of a duration (e.g., from 3 PM to 5 PM).
Around: Used to indicate an approximate time (e.g., approximately at 3 PM), which is less formal.
The most appropriate option to improve the bold part of the sentence is at.