This was enjoined.......him as a solemn duty.

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 3:
The correct preposition to complete the sentence "This was enjoined.......him as a solemn duty" is "on." The verb "enjoin" means to instruct or urge someone to do something, often with authority or seriousness. When used in the passive voice, as in this sentence ("This was enjoined..."), the appropriate preposition to link the command or duty to the person receiving it is almost always "on" or "upon." This construction, "to enjoin something on someone," means to formally impose a duty or responsibility on that individual. In this context, the solemn duty was placed directly upon him.

The incorrect option is 1 (over): "Over" is generally used to denote position above something, duration, or authority (e.g., "ruling over a territory"). It does not fit the idiomatic or grammatical requirement of the verb "enjoin," as one does not typically enjoin a duty "over" a person.

The incorrect option is 2 (at): "At" is used for specific points in space or time, or for targets of an action (e.g., "look at him"). It is grammatically incompatible with the transitive verb "enjoin" in this passive construction, failing to convey the sense of imposition.

The incorrect option is 4 (for): "For" is used to indicate purpose, benefit, or duration. While the duty is "for" him in a broad sense, the phrasal verb structure required here is fixed. Using "for" changes the meaning, suggesting the duty was intended to benefit him rather than being imposed as a responsibility.