Select the correct pair of prepositions to fill in the blank in the following sentence:-
Although universities often advise them ____ having a job, many students now work _____ term-time due to financial pressures.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → against; during
Prepositions with "advise" and with a period of time:
- Advise someone against doing something means to recommend that they do not do it. "Against" is the preposition that carries the warning.
- During means within a period of time: "work during term-time" means work while classes are going on.
- This sentence: "Although" marks the contrast — universities advise students against having a job, yet many students work during term-time.
- Complete sentence: Although universities often advise them against having a job, many students now work during term-time due to financial pressures.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: before; from — Incorrect.
- Before means earlier than. "Advise them before having a job" loses the sense of warning.
Example: Wash your hands before eating. - "Work from term-time" is not idiomatic.
Option 2: for; in — Incorrect.
- "Advise for" is used for recommending something, not for warning against doing it. "Advise them for having a job" is not English.
- For is used with a purpose or benefit.
Example: She saved money for her brother's education.
Option 4: over; at — Incorrect.
- "Advise them over having a job" does not give the meaning of warning. Over is used for position above something or for a topic of dispute.
Example: The two brothers quarrelled over the family land. - "Work at term-time" is not the idiom.