Question:

Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence.
I think his long silence is tantamount ____ a refusal.

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Whenever you learn a new high-level adjective like "tantamount," "conducive," or "inimical," always learn the preposition that goes with it.
Most adjectives denoting equivalence, contribution, or opposition (like "equal to," "similar to," "conducive to") are followed by "to."
Updated On: Jun 8, 2026
  • With
  • About
  • By
  • To
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation


Step 1: Understanding the Question:

The objective of this question is to identify the correct preposition that follows the adjective "tantamount".
This requires an understanding of fixed prepositional collocations in English grammar.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:

Many adjectives in English are followed by a specific preposition to express a particular meaning.
These are called fixed prepositions, and they must be memorized as complete phrases.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

1. The word "tantamount" is an adjective that means equivalent in value, significance, or effect.
2. In standard English usage, the adjective "tantamount" always collocates with the preposition "to".
3. Therefore, the complete phrase is "tantamount to," which means "equivalent to".
4. Let us evaluate Option (A) "With": "Tantamount with" is not a recognized grammatical construction in standard English.
5. Let us evaluate Option (B) "About": "Tantamount about" is grammatically incorrect and does not convey the intended meaning of equivalence.
6. Let us evaluate Option (C) "By": "Tantamount by" is also grammatically incorrect and violates the rules of prepositional collocation.
7. Let us evaluate Option (D) "To": "Tantamount to" is the correct, standard grammatical collocation that matches the meaning of "equivalent to".

Step 4: Final Answer:

The correct preposition is "to," making Option (D) the right choice.
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