Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence:
The principal wanted to discuss _____ with the teachers.

a. on the matter
b. about the matter
c. the matter
d. regarding the matter

Hint: Try to understand the meaning of the sentence, and identify each part of speech. This will help you to understand if the object itself is enough or if there are extra parts of speech needed.

Complete answer: The objects of the sentence are usually parts of speech that appear at the end of the sentence. They are the ‘object’ of the verb. So, the object in the options is ‘the matter’. This is the object of the verb ‘to discuss’ in the given sentence. The objects are usually self-sufficient, however, it is completely dependent on the verb that precedes it. This means that we need to understand whether the verb ’to discuss’ needs any other part of speech. Generally, when we use the verb ‘discuss’, we pair it up directly with the object. This is illustrated by its dictionary meaning. The word ‘discuss’ refers to ‘talk about (something) with a person or people’. Since the preposition is already included in the meaning itself, we need not add another one to the verb.

Now, we know what we are looking for. Let’s look at the given options:
a. on the matter - In this option, there is an extra preposition added to the object. This makes the sentence grammatically incorrect. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
b. about the matter - In this option, there is an extra preposition added to the object. This makes the sentence grammatically incorrect. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
c. the matter - This option is not surrounded by unnecessary prepositions, which means that this will keep the sentence grammatically correct. This is the required answer. So, (c) is the correct option.
d. regarding the matter - In this option, there is an extra verb added to the object. This makes the sentence grammatically incorrect. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.

Note: The given options use very specific additions to complete the phrase. However, when choosing an option be careful of the meaning it will convey with the complete sentence.