Question

Choose the correct word or phrase that completes the sentence correctly.
This was the topic of discussion where he had touched ____ this problem.
a. to
b. with
c. upon
d. in

Answer 1

Hint: The sentence does not refer to an object but something that is abstract and uses the concept of phrasal verbs.

Complete step by step solution: In the given question we have been given a sentence and we need to fill the blank with the most suitable answer from the given options.
In order to do this, we need to understand the concept of phrasal verbs. A phrasal verb refers to a verb that is made with a main verb and an adverb or preposition or both and together the phrase expresses a meaning that is different from its literary meaning.
For the given sentence, the word before the blank ‘touched’ along with the word in the blank must together form a phrasal verb in order for the sentence to be grammatically accurate.
Now, let us take a look at the given options and try to understand their meanings one by one.
Option ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘D’, which are the words ‘to’, ‘with’ and ‘in’ are incorrect as they do not match with the word ‘touched’ to form a phrasal verb.
Hence, the correct answer is option ‘C’, upon, as it forms a suitable phrasal verb, ‘touched upon’, that fits the context of the question perfectly.

Note: Phrasal verbs must not be confused with idioms. Though phrasal verbs have meanings that are different from their literary meaning, they can still be understood depending on a situation. Idioms on the other hand are fixed expressions with specific meanings.