Complete the sentence using the correct preposition from the options given below :
Don't loiter _______ the street.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → about
Note: The given answer is as per the official NTA Answer Key. However, more than one answer is possible here: Option (1) "on" and Option (2) "about" both make a correct sentence, as explained below.
Option 1: on — Can also be considered as correct.
- To loiter is to stand or wait around in a public place without any clear purpose.
- "On the street" names the place where one loiters, so "Don't loiter on the street" is also a correct, natural sentence.
Example: A few boys were loitering on the street corner.
Option 2: about — Correct (Answer as per NTA).
- Loiter about (or loiter around) means to hang about idly, moving here and there without purpose.
- "Don't loiter about the street" warns against wasting time aimlessly in the street.
Example: Some strangers were seen loitering about the school gate.
Option 3: into — Incorrect. "Into" shows movement to the inside of something; loitering is aimless staying, not entering.
Example: The cat jumped into the box.
Option 4: of — Incorrect. "Of" shows belonging or relation; "loiter of the street" has no meaning.
Example: The roof of the house needs repair.