Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option:
A: May I help you?
B: Yes, I want three ______________.

• A. cans beans
• B. cans of beans
• C. can of beans
• D. can beans

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

The correct option is B cans of beans

The suitable word must be plural, as suggested by the number 'three'.

Option B: 'Cans of beans' is a plural noun and completes the sentence in meaning. 'Of' is a preposition that answers the question 'cans of what?'. A preposition connects a noun with a word or a sentence. Here, 'of' connects 'cans' with 'beans'. Hence this option is correct.

Options A, B and C: 'Can of beans' is a singular noun. It refers to a single can, with lots of beans in it. 'Can' is a collective noun here, and is considered as singular. As the number 'three' calls for a plural of 'can', this is not the answer.

'Cans beans' and 'can beans' are both incomplete without 'of'. It does not form a complete thought.

Hence these options are incorrect.