In this English preposition question, choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: The train is expected to arrive in a few minutes _____ platform six at the station.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: on

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question checks your knowledge of correct prepositions used with the word "platform" in the context of train travel. Prepositions often cause confusion for learners of English because they are highly idiomatic and depend on fixed expressions rather than pure logic. In railway announcements and written notices, there are standard collocations that you should recognize in order to sound natural and accurate in English.


Given Data / Assumptions:
- The sentence describes the expected arrival of a train.- The blank comes immediately before the phrase "platform six".- The options provided are: in, above, near, on.- The meaning should be that the train will arrive at or along platform six where passengers wait.


Concept / Approach:
Prepositions such as "in", "on", and "at" are often used in standard expressions with public transport locations, but the natural collocation varies. When we refer to the specific platform where a train will stop, English commonly uses "on" or sometimes "at". Expressions like "on platform six" or "at platform six" are accepted, but here only "on" is among the options. The other prepositions either describe a different physical relation or do not form a natural collocation with platform in this context.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Read the sentence and identify its context: a train arriving at a railway platform.Step 2: Recall common railway announcements, such as "The train is standing on platform three" or "The train for Delhi will depart from platform one".Step 3: Check each option in the sentence: "arrive in platform six", "arrive above platform six", "arrive near platform six", "arrive on platform six".Step 4: "Arrive in platform six" suggests being inside something, which is not appropriate for a platform.Step 5: "Arrive above platform six" implies a position over the platform, which does not match train movement along tracks.Step 6: "Arrive near platform six" suggests proximity but not the exact stopping point of the train.Step 7: "Arrive on platform six" correctly conveys that the train will come to and stand along that platform.


Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify your choice by recalling authentic language from railway signs and announcements. Many announcements say: "The train now standing on platform number one is the express to..." or "The train arriving on platform four is the passenger train...". This real-world usage confirms that "on platform six" is the natural and idiomatic prepositional phrase for this context. No other provided option matches this standard pattern.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option "in": Usually used for enclosed spaces like "in the station", "in the train", not for specific platforms.Option "above": Refers to a vertical position and would suggest something floating or located higher than the platform, which is not intended.Option "near": Indicates closeness but does not express that the train uses that platform as its stopping place.


Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes overuse "in" because it is common in many expressions like "in the classroom" or "in the city". Others may think "at" is always correct for locations, but exam questions restrict options carefully so you must choose from what is given. It is important to memorize typical collocations in transport contexts: "on platform six", "on the bus", "on the train", but "at the station" and "in the carriage". Recognizing these patterns will help you answer similar questions quickly and accurately.


Final Answer:
The correct preposition is on, so the proper sentence is: The train is expected to arrive in a few minutes on platform six.

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