Insert proper preposition: He hinted some loss of treasure.

Question

Insert proper preposition: He hinted some loss of treasure.

1. A. Of
2. B. for
3. C. with
4. D. at (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — at

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is at.

Key Points

• "Hinted AT" is the correct collocation.
• One hints AT something — suggests it indirectly.
• "Hinted for/with/of" are all incorrect.

Additional Information

• Hint at is the fixed collocation, meaning to suggest indirectly. *Hint of* exists only as a noun phrase — *a hint of sarcasm*.
• Verb-preposition pairs are learned as units. Common exam pairs: accuse of, agree with (a person) / to (a proposal), depend on, comply with, insist on, deprive of, congratulate on, capable of, prefer to.
• Some verbs change meaning with the preposition: *agree with* a person, *agree to* a proposal.
• There is no rule to derive these from — they are tested precisely because they must be memorised.