People were prohibited _______ their vehicles near the entrance of the main administrative building.
Correct Answer
Solution & Step-by-step Explanation
This question tests the correct grammatical structure used with the verb 'prohibit'. Let's analyze the sentence and the options provided.
Understanding the Grammar of 'Prohibit'
The verb 'prohibit' is typically followed by a structure that indicates what is being forbidden. The standard English grammar rule is:
- prohibit + someone + from + doing something (verb-ing form, also known as a gerund).
For example: 'The rules prohibit us from entering the restricted area.' Here, 'us' is the person being prohibited, and 'entering' is the action forbidden.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at how each option fits the sentence: "People were prohibited _______ their vehicles near the entrance..."
- Option 1: to park - The structure 'prohibited to park' is grammatically incorrect. While 'prohibit' can sometimes be followed by an infinitive in different contexts (e.g., 'Smoking is prohibited'), it doesn't fit here when expressing prohibition of an action performed by 'people'.
- Option 2: from parking - This option correctly uses the structure 'prohibited from + gerund'. 'People' are the subject affected by the prohibition, and 'parking' is the action they are forbidden to do. This structure is grammatically sound and conveys the intended meaning clearly. The sentence becomes: 'People were prohibited from parking their vehicles...'
- Option 3: parking - Using just 'parking' would make the sentence 'People were prohibited parking their vehicles...'. While 'prohibit parking' is sometimes used (e.g., 'Parking is prohibited'), it usually acts as a direct object or subject complement, not typically followed directly by another verb phrase like 'their vehicles' in this passive construction. It's less standard than Option 2.
- Option 4: to have parked - The structure 'prohibited to have parked' is grammatically incorrect and also semantically awkward. It suggests a prohibition related to a past action in a way that doesn't fit the sentence's context.
Conclusion on Correct Usage
Based on standard English grammar, the most appropriate and correct way to complete the sentence is by using the structure 'prohibited from + gerund'. Therefore, 'from parking' is the correct choice.
Understanding the Grammar of 'Prohibit'
The verb 'prohibit' is typically followed by a structure that indicates what is being forbidden. The standard English grammar rule is:
- prohibit + someone + from + doing something (verb-ing form, also known as a gerund).
For example: 'The rules prohibit us from entering the restricted area.' Here, 'us' is the person being prohibited, and 'entering' is the action forbidden.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at how each option fits the sentence: "People were prohibited _______ their vehicles near the entrance..."
- Option 1: to park - The structure 'prohibited to park' is grammatically incorrect. While 'prohibit' can sometimes be followed by an infinitive in different contexts (e.g., 'Smoking is prohibited'), it doesn't fit here when expressing prohibition of an action performed by 'people'.
- Option 2: from parking - This option correctly uses the structure 'prohibited from + gerund'. 'People' are the subject affected by the prohibition, and 'parking' is the action they are forbidden to do. This structure is grammatically sound and conveys the intended meaning clearly. The sentence becomes: 'People were prohibited from parking their vehicles...'
- Option 3: parking - Using just 'parking' would make the sentence 'People were prohibited parking their vehicles...'. While 'prohibit parking' is sometimes used (e.g., 'Parking is prohibited'), it usually acts as a direct object or subject complement, not typically followed directly by another verb phrase like 'their vehicles' in this passive construction. It's less standard than Option 2.
- Option 4: to have parked - The structure 'prohibited to have parked' is grammatically incorrect and also semantically awkward. It suggests a prohibition related to a past action in a way that doesn't fit the sentence's context.
Conclusion on Correct Usage
Based on standard English grammar, the most appropriate and correct way to complete the sentence is by using the structure 'prohibited from + gerund'. Therefore, 'from parking' is the correct choice.