Complete the following sentence using the correct option:
The students were indignant _____________ the authorities for failing to act ___________ the lodged complaints.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → with... upon
Prepositions fixed by the words before them:
- Indignant with a person (and indignant at or about a thing) means angry because of unfair treatment. The students were angry with the authorities: "indignant with the authorities".
- Act upon (or act on) a complaint, an order or advice means to take action because of it: "failing to act upon the lodged complaints".
Complete sentence: The students were indignant with the authorities for failing to act upon the lodged complaints.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: by....on — Incorrect. "Act on" is correct, but "indignant by" is not used. "By" would only follow a passive verb (angered by).
Option 2: upon ...over — Incorrect.
- "Indignant upon" is not an English pairing.
- "Act over a complaint" is not used. One acts on or upon a complaint.
Option 4: on ... at — Incorrect.
- "Indignant on" is not used.
- "Act at a complaint" is not used.