WAEC 2015 English Language · Question 53

I have always counted … his friendship.

Question

From the words or groups of words lettered A to D, choose the words or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. I have always counted.....his friendship.

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

Answer: D. on

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: This tests dependent prepositions, which means knowing which preposition goes with a particular verb. The verb here is "count," and we need the preposition that fits the meaning "rely on his friendship."

Explain the concept: The phrasal verb count on means to depend on or rely on someone or something.

You can count on me.
She counted on his support.

Other options:

count in means to include someone ("Count me in!"), which doesn't fit here.
count to is used for numbers ("count to ten").
count with is not a standard idiom in this sense.

Solution: "I have always counted on his friendship." This means "I have always relied on / depended on his friendship," which makes perfect sense.

Answer: D. on

Tip: Remember that count on = rely on = depend on. When a sentence talks about trusting or relying on someone's help, support, or friendship, "on" is nearly always the preposition. Try replacing the verb with "depend" or "rely" and see if "on" follows naturally (depend on, rely on). If so, "count on" works too.

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