WAEC 2014 English Language · Question 93

Good citizens are expected to abide … the stipulated laws.

Question

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes the sentence. Good citizens are expected to abide........ the stipulated laws.

A.with
B.in
C.to
D.by

Answer: D. by

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question The sentence needs the correct preposition to follow the verb "abide" when it means to obey or follow rules.

Explain the concept "Abide" is a verb that takes different prepositions depending on its meaning:

abide by = to obey or follow (rules, laws, decisions, agreements)
abide in = to live or dwell in a place
abide with = to stay with someone (as in the hymn "Abide with me")

Show the solution The sentence talks about citizens and "the stipulated laws". The meaning is that citizens should obey or follow the laws, so we need "abide by".

A. abide with: this means to stay with someone, so it does not fit.
B. abide in: this means to dwell in a place, so it does not fit.
C. abide to: this is not a standard English expression.
D. abide by: this means to obey or comply, so it fits.

Completed sentence: Good citizens are expected to abide by the stipulated laws.

Tip Remember the phrase "abide BY the BY-laws". Whenever you see rules, laws, regulations, or decisions after "abide", choose by. Similar phrases are "comply with" and "adhere to", but "abide" always pairs with "by" in this sense.

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