Correct Answer:
B. for
The correct answer is B: for. The verb "apologize" is almost always followed by the preposition "for" when indicating the reason or cause of the apology. When someone apologizes "for" something, they are expressing regret or remorse about a specific action, mistake, or situation. In this sentence, "his mistake" is the specific reason why he is offering an apology, making "for" the appropriate preposition to connect the apology to its cause.
- A: of is generally used to indicate possession or relationship, e.g., "the color of the sky."
- C: on is used for surfaces or specific topics, e.g., "sit on the chair," or "comment on the news."
- D: about can sometimes be used with "apologize" (e.g., "apologize about the delay"), but "for" is more common and precise when referring to a specific action or error, especially a mistake. "About" often implies a more general topic rather than a direct cause.
Therefore, "apologized for his mistake" is the standard and most grammatically correct construction in English. This idiomatic usage is fundamental for expressing regret clearly and accurately, highlighting the direct link between the apology and the action that necessitated it.