Final answer:
The correct preposition to complete the sentence is 'by', as in 'Aunt Patricia returned home by ferry.'
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct preposition to complete the sentence "Aunt Patricia returned home by ferry." is 'by'. When discussing modes of transportation in English, the preposition 'by' is commonly used to express the way or manner in which someone travels. Examples include 'by car', 'by train', 'by plane', and in this case, 'by ferry'. This use of 'by' indicates that the ferry was the method Aunt Patricia used to return home.
In the sentence "Aunt Patricia returned home by ferry," the preposition "by" indicates the mode of transportation. Prepositions show relationships between elements in a sentence. Here, "by" specifies the means by which Aunt Patricia returned—via ferry.
Prepositions often convey spatial, temporal, or logical relationships. They guide us in understanding the context of actions or events. Without the preposition, the sentence might lack clarity about how Aunt Patricia arrived home. Prepositions are versatile linguistic tools, offering essential context and detail in language structure.