Complete the sentence by choosing the appropriate set of prepositions:
He is notoriously mean __________ his treatment __________ his servants.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → in, of
Fixed prepositions:
- Mean in something: a person is mean (unkind or stingy) in an area of behaviour, such as his treatment or his dealings.
- Treatment of someone: the noun "treatment" takes of before the person treated.
- Notoriously means in a way that is widely known for a bad quality.
- Complete sentence: He is notoriously mean in his treatment of his servants.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: with, of — Incorrect. "Mean with" is used for money ("mean with his money"). It does not go before "his treatment".
Option 3: of, with — Incorrect. "Mean of" is not a usage, and the noun treatment takes of, not "with", before the person.
Option 4: for, of — Incorrect. "Mean for" is not used to show the area in which someone is mean.