Sentence completion: the sentence given below has a blank. Choose the option that best completes the sentence. A big dictionary ________ ________ the table near the door.

Introduction / Context:
This sentence completion question checks two basic aspects of English grammar: subject verb agreement and correct preposition for location. The subject is a big dictionary, and you must choose the verb and preposition that accurately describe its position in relation to the table near the door.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence: A big dictionary ________ ________ the table near the door.
• Options: are on, is over, is on, is up, and lies under.
• The dictionary is a single object, so the verb form must be singular.
• The table near the door is the surface where the dictionary is located.

Concept / Approach:
The noun dictionary is singular, so it requires a singular verb such as is, not are. When describing that an object rests on the surface of something, the common preposition is on. The most natural phrase is is on the table. Is over could sometimes describe position above, but over does not always mean resting on, and is up is not a standard expression for location in this context. Lies under describes a different position completely, underneath the table rather than on it.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Choose the correct singular verb for the singular subject a big dictionary, which is is. Step 2: Choose the location preposition that describes something resting on top of a surface, which is on. Step 3: Combine them to form is on and place them in the blank: A big dictionary is on the table near the door. Step 4: Check that the sentence now sounds natural and grammatically correct.

Verification / Alternative check:
Test each option. Are on would give A big dictionary are on the table, which breaks subject verb agreement. Is over the table could mean the dictionary is hanging or positioned above the table, not resting on it, and still sounds odd. Is up the table would be unidiomatic in this context. Lies under the table changes the meaning and does not match the likely intent of the question, which is to use the simple pattern is on the table. Therefore is on is the only fully correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• are on: Uses the plural verb are with a singular subject, which is incorrect.
• is over: Can sometimes be used, but it usually suggests above or covering something rather than being placed on a surface in neutral description.
• is up: Does not collocate with the table in standard English; we do not say something is up the table in this sense.
• lies under: Changes the meaning to beneath the table, which is not implied in the original incomplete sentence.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes overcomplicate simple preposition questions by thinking of unusual meanings for words like over or up. In basic descriptive sentences, on is the straightforward choice when an item rests on a table, desk, or shelf. Always check subject verb agreement first and then pick the most natural preposition to describe location.

Final Answer:
Correct option: is on.