Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: around
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of prepositions that commonly combine with the verb loiter. To loiter means to stand or move about somewhere without any obvious purpose, often in a way that is discouraged in schools, offices, or public places. You must choose the preposition that best completes the sentence Do not loiter _____ the corridor in natural, idiomatic English.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Loiter is often followed by about or around when we talk about moving aimlessly in or near a particular place, such as streets, corridors, or school grounds. The combination loiter around a place is very common. The other prepositions in the options do not form standard collocations with loiter in this context. Therefore, around is the most suitable choice, giving the clear meaning of moving idly near or in the corridor.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Compare similar sentences in different locations: Do not loiter around the station, They were loitering around the market, Children were loitering around the classroom. In each case, around is the natural choice with loiter. You may also sometimes see loiter in the corridor or loiter in the street, but since in is not among the options here, around is the best available and still correct, describing movement in the vicinity of the corridor.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may hesitate because they remember the phrase loiter in the corridor and not loiter around the corridor. However, both in and around can be used with loiter, depending on the nuance. When the exact preposition you prefer is not given in options, choose the one that still forms a recognised and natural collocation. Here, around clearly fits the pattern used with loiter in everyday English.
Final Answer:
The correct preposition to complete the sentence is around.
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