32. Select the word or phrase that makes this sentence grammatically correct: 'The student was very proud of ____ when he aced the test.'
Answer: D
The student was very proud of himself when he aced the test.
The correct phrasing is "the student was very proud of himself," as "himself" is the appropriate reflexive pronoun that correctly refers back to "the student."
A) him
Using "him" in this context is incorrect because "him" is an objective pronoun and does not function reflexively. The sentence requires a reflexive pronoun to indicate that the pride is directed back to the subject, which in this case is the student.
B) hisself
"Hisself" is a nonstandard form that is often considered incorrect in formal English. It is not recognized as a valid reflexive pronoun, making it unsuitable for this sentence.
C) he
"He" is a subjective pronoun and would not work in this context. The sentence needs a reflexive pronoun to indicate that the student is proud of his own achievement, thus making "he" an incorrect choice.
D) himself
"Himself" is the correct reflexive pronoun to use in this sentence. It correctly indicates that the pride is directed towards the student, making it the grammatically accurate option.
Conclusion
The correct answer, "himself," effectively conveys the intended meaning of self-reference and pride in one's own accomplishments. All other options fail to maintain the grammatical structure required in this context, either by using incorrect pronouns or forms that do not fit the reflexive usage necessary here.