WAEC 2012 English Language · Question 31

I asked Penda to stand … for me since I could not attend the meeting

Question

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences: I asked Penda to stand...........for me since I could not attend the meeting

A.on
B.aside
C.in
D.by

Answer: C. in

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The sentence needs a word that completes a phrasal verb meaning "to act as a substitute for me because I couldn't be present."

Explain the concept: This tests phrasal verbs with "stand":

stand on: insist on or rely on (e.g., stand on ceremony)
stand aside: step away or let someone else take over, or not get involved
stand in (for someone): to act as a substitute or deputy
stand by: to support someone, or to wait ready to act

Step-by-step solution:

The speaker could not attend the meeting.
So Penda was asked to represent or replace the speaker at that meeting.
The phrasal verb meaning "to substitute for someone" is stand in for.
Checking the others: • "stand on for me" makes no sense. • "stand aside for me" means to step away, not to represent me. • "stand by for me" means to support or wait, not to substitute. It does not fit the idea of attending a meeting in my place.

So the sentence reads: I asked Penda to stand in for me since I could not attend the meeting.

Tip: Remember "stand in = stand IN someone's place." Similar words: understudy, deputise, substitute. A related phrasal verb is "fill in for."

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