WAEC 2015 English Language · Question 60

I will always stand … him

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 will always stand ......him

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

Answer: A. by

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question The sentence is "I will always stand ...... him." We need the preposition that forms the correct phrasal verb or idiom meaning to support someone loyally.

Explain the concept In English, "stand by" is a phrasal verb meaning to support someone and remain loyal to them, especially in difficult times.

She stood by her husband throughout his illness.

The other options do not fit this meaning:

stand with: this is used in modern English (e.g. "I stand with the students"), but it usually expresses solidarity with a cause or group. It is not the standard idiom tested in WASSCE for "support".
stand to: this appears in "stand to attention" or "stand to gain/lose". It does not take a person as its object in this sense.
stand for: this means "represent" or "tolerate" (e.g. "UN stands for United Nations", "I won't stand for rudeness"). It does not mean "support loyally".

Solution "I will always stand by him" means "I will always support him and remain loyal to him, whatever happens."

Correct answer: A (by)

Exam tip Remember "stand by = stick by = support". Phrasal verbs with prepositions are a favourite in WASSCE, JAMB and NECO English papers, so learn them in groups:

stand by = support
stand for = represent or tolerate
stand in for = substitute
stand up to = confront

Keep practising, you are doing well!

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