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Idiomatic Prepositions

27 questions

Question 1Question →

Despite the challenging weather conditions, the experienced climber proved she was capable to reach the summit of the mountain.

Which of the following choices best replaces the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: capable of reaching

Answer

capable of reaching
The adjective 'capable' idiomatically pairs with the preposition 'of' followed by a gerund ('reaching'). Therefore, the option 'capable of reaching' is correct.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined portion of the sentence: 'capable to reach'.
The word 'capable' is an adjective that must pair with a specific idiomatic preposition.
Idiomatic preposition usage determines the correct preposition that must follow certain adjectives in standard English.
2
Determine the correct preposition that pairs with 'capable'.
The adjective 'capable' must be followed by the preposition 'of' (e.g., 'capable of').
This is a fixed idiomatic expression in standard English.
3
Identify the correct form of the verb that follows the preposition 'of'.
A preposition is followed by a gerund (verb ending in -ing), which is 'reaching'.
Prepositions cannot be followed by an infinitive verb (like 'to reach').

Key Concept

Idiomatic Prepositions
Estimated Time:45s
Question 2Question →

The design of the new city library is similar with the classical architecture of the historic town hall.

Which choice best replaces the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: similar to

Answer

The correct choice is 'similar to' because the adjective 'similar' idiomatically requires the preposition 'to' to establish a comparison between two nouns.
The correct choice uses the preposition 'to' because 'similar to' is the established idiomatic expression used to describe a resemblance between two entities.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined prepositional relationship in the sentence context.
The sentence compares the design of a library to the architecture of a town hall using the adjective 'similar' and the preposition 'with'.
This allows you to determine whether the adjective-preposition pair conforms to standard English conventions.
2
Determine the correct idiomatic preposition that pairs with 'similar'.
In standard written English, the adjective 'similar' always pairs with the preposition 'to' to indicate resemblance.
Prepositions must follow established idiomatic conventions rather than literal translation or colloquial patterns.
3
Evaluate the choices to locate the correct phrasing.
The choice containing 'similar to' is the only option that uses the correct preposition. The options containing 'similar with', 'similar than', and 'similar as' are unidiomatic.
Replacing the incorrect preposition 'with' with 'to' corrects the grammatical error.

Key Concept

Idiomatic prepositions are fixed combinations of words (verbs, adjectives, or nouns paired with specific prepositions) that must be used together to be grammatically correct. The adjective 'similar' must always be paired with the preposition 'to'.
Question 3Question →

The success of the community garden project depends of the dedication of its volunteers, who plant and harvest the crops each season. Which of the following choices is the best replacement for the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: depends on

Answer

depends on
The correct choice is 'depends on'. In standard English, the verb 'depend' is idiomatically followed by the preposition 'on' when expressing reliance. Therefore, this option makes the sentence idiomatically correct.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the verb that is paired with the preposition in the underlined phrase.
The verb is 'depend' ('depends').
We need to determine the correct preposition that idiomatically pairs with this specific verb.
2
Recall or determine the standard English idiom for this verb-preposition pair.
In standard English, the verb 'depend' is paired with the preposition 'on' (or sometimes 'upon') to indicate reliance.
Preposition usage is idiomatic, meaning it follows established language patterns rather than strict grammatical rules.
3
Select the option that matches this idiomatic combination.
The correct phrase is 'depends on'.
This establishes grammatical and idiomatic correctness in the sentence.

Key Concept

Idiomatic prepositions require pairing specific verbs, adjectives, or nouns with their standard prepositions, such as 'depend on'.
Question 4Question →

Many students are interested at learning more about marine biology after visiting the local aquarium.

Which choice best replaces the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: interested in

Answer

interested in
The correct answer is the option containing 'interested in'. In English, the adjective 'interested' is idiomatically paired with the preposition 'in' to describe a feeling of curiosity or concern about something. Therefore, the phrase 'interested in learning' is grammatically and idiomatically correct.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined phrase and determine the grammatical function of the key word.
The word 'interested' acts as an adjective in this context.
Identifying the part of speech helps in determining which preposition is idiomatically correct.
2
Evaluate the idiomatic combination of 'interested' with the prepositions in the choices.
The adjective 'interested' must be paired with the preposition 'in' to form a standard English idiom.
Other prepositions like 'at', 'of', and 'with' violate standard English idiomatic usage.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Prepositions
Question 5Question →

Having spent decades documenting the volatile fluctuations of geothermal geysers in Iceland, the volcanologist was completely inured from the sudden, deafening blasts that frequently startled tourists.

Which choice best replaces the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: inured to

Answer

The correct choice is 'inured to', which correctly uses the idiomatic preposition 'to' with 'inured'.
The adjective 'inured' means accustomed to accepting something undesirable. In standard English, it must be paired with the preposition 'to' (e.g., 'inured to the cold'). Therefore, the option containing 'inured to' is correct.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined phrase 'inured from' and determine the word being modified, which is the adjective 'inured' (meaning accustomed to something undesirable).
The adjective 'inured' is identified.
To choose the correct preposition, one must know the specific idiomatic pairing for the adjective 'inured'.
2
Evaluate the idiomatic pairings for 'inured'. In standard English, 'inured' is followed by the preposition 'to'.
The correct preposition is determined to be 'to'.
Prepositional idioms are fixed expressions in English and must be memorized.
3
Select the option that contains 'inured to'.
The option with 'inured to' is chosen.
This choice represents the only grammatically and idiomatically correct phrasing.

Key Concept

Choosing the correct preposition to form a standard idiomatic expression with an adjective.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 6Question →

The committee proposed that the funding allocated to each regional research initiative should be commensurate for the scope and expected impact of the proposed project.

Which of the following choices is the best replacement for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: commensurate with

Answer

commensurate with
The correct option is the phrase that uses 'commensurate with' because the adjective 'commensurate' must be paired with 'with' to create the standard idiomatic construction meaning proportional or equivalent.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the adjective in the underlined portion and determine the correct idiom.
The adjective is 'commensurate,' which describes a relationship of equal scale or proportion.
Adjectives in English often govern specific prepositions to form standard idiomatic phrases.
2
Recall or identify the correct idiomatic preposition associated with 'commensurate.'
The standard preposition that pairs with 'commensurate' is 'with.'
Using any other preposition violates conventional English usage.
3
Evaluate the choices to locate the correct pairing.
The choice containing 'commensurate with' is the only option that utilizes the correct idiom.
Replacing the incorrect underlined phrase with this option makes the sentence grammatically correct.

Key Concept

Idiomatic preposition usage with adjectives
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 7Question →

Though the research team hoped to discover a diverse array of cave-dwelling insects, they soon realized that the subterranean cavern's high sulfur concentrations made the environment inimical toward the survival of all but the most specialized organisms. Which choice best replaces the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: inimical to

Answer

The correct choice is 'inimical to', which uses the proper idiomatic preposition to follow the adjective 'inimical'.
The word 'inimical' is an adjective that must be followed by the preposition 'to' to form a correct, standard idiom in English. The option containing 'inimical to' is therefore correct because it respects this conventional pairing.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined phrase and the adjective that dictates the idiomatic preposition.
The adjective is 'inimical', which means harmful, hostile, or adverse.
Prepositional idioms are determined by the specific words they follow.
2
Determine the correct preposition that pairs with 'inimical' in standard written English.
The correct idiomatic preposition is 'to' (yielding 'inimical to').
English grammar rules dictate specific pairings for certain adjectives; 'inimical' must be followed by 'to' rather than 'toward', 'for', or 'of'.
3
Select the option that matches this correct idiomatic usage.
The correct choice is 'inimical to'.
This is the only choice that resolves the error and uses the correct preposition.

Key Concept

Idiomatic prepositions following adjectives
Estimated Time:45s
Question 8Question →

Architectural historians have noted that the intricate geometric carvings decorating the palace walls are characteristic to the late Islamic style, which emphasized complex ornamentation over pictorial representation. Which choice best replaces the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: characteristic of

Answer

characteristic of
The correct answer is 'characteristic of' because the adjective 'characteristic' idiomatically requires the preposition 'of' when describing a typical or defining feature of a particular style, group, or person.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined phrase 'characteristic to' and evaluate if 'characteristic' is paired with the correct idiomatic preposition in this context.
The original phrasing 'characteristic to' is incorrect because it violates standard English idiom rules.
English adjectives often require specific prepositions to form standard idiomatic expressions, and 'characteristic' does not pair with 'to'.
2
Evaluate the alternative options to find the correct prepositional pairing.
The standard idiomatic pairing is 'characteristic of' when expressing that a quality is typical of a style, person, or group.
Prepositions must follow standard idiomatic usage. While we say 'unique to' or 'native to,' we must say 'characteristic of.'

Key Concept

Idiomatic Prepositions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 9Question →

Many architectural conservators argue that while modern synthetic sealants offer immediate protection against moisture, their chemical composition is ultimately not conducive with the long-term preservation of historic sandstone.

Which choice is the most grammatically and idiomatically correct replacement for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: conducive to

Answer

The option stating 'conducive to' is the correct choice because the adjective 'conducive' must be paired with the preposition 'to' in standard English idiom.
The correct option is 'conducive to' because the adjective 'conducive' is idiomatically paired with the preposition 'to' to express that something contributes to or helps produce a particular result. The resulting sentence, '...their chemical composition is ultimately not conducive to the long-term preservation of historic sandstone,' is standard and correct.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined word and the preposition that follows it.
The sentence uses the phrase 'conducive with'.
This is a prepositional idiom question testing the correct pairing of the adjective 'conducive' with a preposition.
2
Evaluate the idiomatic correctness of the original preposition 'with' and the proposed alternatives ('to', 'for', 'of').
Standard English conventions dictate that the adjective 'conducive' is idiomatically followed by 'to' (e.g., 'conducive to learning'). The forms 'conducive with', 'conducive for', and 'conducive of' are non-standard and incorrect.
Correcting idiomatic preposition usage requires selecting the option that conforms to standard American English idiom.
3
Select the option that contains 'conducive to'.
The correct choice is the option containing 'conducive to'.
This makes the sentence grammatically and idiomatically correct: '...their chemical composition is ultimately not conducive to the long-term preservation of historic sandstone.'

Key Concept

Idiomatic Prepositions
Question 10Question →

The deep-sea research team discovered that the hydrothermal vent organisms, which thrive in complete darkness, are entirely deprived from the sunlight that powers photosynthetic ecosystems near the surface.

Which of the following is the most grammatically and idiomatically correct replacement for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: deprived of

Answer

deprived of
The correct answer is the option containing 'deprived of'. In standard written English, the adjective or participle 'deprived' must be paired with the preposition 'of' to indicate the lack of a specific resource or condition.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the word that determines the prepositional idiom.
The word is 'deprived', modifying 'organisms'.
Prepositional idioms depend on the preceding verb, adjective, or noun to establish the correct prepositional partner.
2
Recall the standard idiomatic preposition that follows 'deprived'.
The correct idiom is 'deprived of'.
Standard English usage conventions dictate that 'deprived' pairs with 'of' when showing that something has been taken away or is unavailable.
3
Evaluate the choices to select the one that aligns with standard idiomatic usage.
The option containing 'deprived of' is correct, whereas the options containing 'from', 'with', and 'to' are idiomatically incorrect.
Selecting the option that uses 'of' ensures the sentence is grammatically and idiomatically precise.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Prepositions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 11Question →

During the Renaissance, the guild of Florentine artists operated under regulations that were largely independent from the direct control of the ruling Medici family.

Which of the following options correctly replaces the underlined portion to maintain the idiomatic standards of English?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: independent of

Answer

The correct answer is the option containing 'independent of', because the adjective 'independent' idiomatically requires the preposition 'of' in formal English.
The correct option is 'independent of'. In standard written English, the adjective 'independent' is idiomatically followed by the preposition 'of' when expressing that something is free from the influence, guidance, or control of another entity.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined modifier and determine if it pairs correctly with its preposition.
The underlined phrase is 'independent from'.
The adjective 'independent' must be matched with the correct idiomatic preposition.
2
Recall the standard idiomatic rule for 'independent'.
Standard written English dictates that 'independent' pairs with 'of' rather than 'from', 'with', or 'by'.
Recognizing formal written idioms helps eliminate common colloquial errors like 'independent from'.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Prepositions
Estimated Time:45s
Question 12Question →

The materials scientist noted that the newly developed ceramic compound was remarkably impervious for extreme heat and chemical corrosion, making it an ideal candidate for spacecraft heat shields.

Which of the following choices produces a grammatically correct and idiomatically standard sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: impervious to

Answer

impervious to
The adjective 'impervious' idiomatically pairs with the preposition 'to', meaning incapable of being passed through or affected by something. The phrase 'impervious to' creates a grammatically correct and standard sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined adjective-preposition construction in the sentence.
The word 'impervious' is followed by the preposition 'for'.
Standard English conventions dictate specific fixed prepositions following certain adjectives.
2
Determine the correct idiomatic preposition associated with 'impervious'.
'Impervious' idiomatically requires the preposition 'to' (impervious to).
Alternatives such as 'impervious for', 'impervious with', or 'impervious against' violate standard English usage rules.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Preposition Usage with Adjectives
Question 13Question →

Read the sentence below and answer the question that follows.

The lead linguist emphasized that while certain ancient dialects are highly susceptible for language shift over generations, others remain surprisingly resilient.

Which of the following choices correctly replaces the underlined phrase to form a grammatically and idiomatically correct sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: susceptible to

Answer

The correct phrasing is 'susceptible to', as the adjective 'susceptible' idiomatically takes the preposition 'to'.
In standard written English, the adjective 'susceptible' is idiomatically followed by the preposition 'to' when expressing openness, vulnerability, or responsiveness to an influence. Therefore, 'susceptible to' is the only idiomatically correct choice.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the head word modified by the preposition in the underlined segment.
The target word is the adjective 'susceptible'.
Idiomatic preposition usage depends on established conventions linking specific verbs, adjectives, or nouns to their corresponding prepositions.
2
Determine the standard English preposition that pairs idiomatically with 'susceptible'.
The correct standard preposition pairing is 'susceptible to'.
In English conventions of usage, one is 'susceptible to' something (meaning vulnerable or prone to it), rather than 'for', 'with', or 'from'.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Adjective-Preposition Pairings
Question 14Question →

Read the sentence below:

The lead curator noted that the board of trustees was surprisingly receptive for the controversial proposal to loan the rare manuscripts to international museums.

Which of the following options best replaces the underlined portion to make the sentence idiomatically correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: receptive to

Answer

The phrase should be changed to 'receptive to' because the adjective 'receptive' idiomatically takes the preposition 'to' when describing openness to suggestions or proposals.
The adjective 'receptive' requires the preposition 'to' to form a standard idiomatic expression meaning open or responsive to something.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the key word modifying the preposition in the underlined phrase.
The target word is the adjective 'receptive'.
Prepositional idioms depend on specific conventions dictated by the preceding verb, noun, or adjective.
2
Determine the standard English preposition that pairs idiomatically with 'receptive'.
In standard English, one is 'receptive to' something (e.g., an idea, proposal, or feedback).
'Receptive' indicates openness toward receiving something, which requires the directional preposition 'to'.
3
Evaluate the choices to select the idiomatically correct preposition.
The phrasing 'receptive to' is the only grammatically and idiomatically correct option.
Alternatives using 'for', 'with', or 'on' violate established conventions of usage.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Prepositions (Adjective + Preposition Pairings)
Question 15Question →

Read the sentence below and answer the question that follows.

During their annual migration across the desert region, desert tortoises are remarkably attuned with subtle shifts in atmospheric pressure, allowing them to seek shelter hours before a flash flood begins.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion is idiomatically correct in standard written English?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: attuned to

Answer

attuned to
The phrase 'attuned to' is the correct idiomatic expression. In standard English, the adjective 'attuned' takes the preposition 'to' when describing awareness of or responsiveness to an external condition or environmental stimulus.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined modifier and prepositional structure in the sentence.
The sentence uses the adjective-preposition combination 'attuned with'.
Standard written English requires specific fixed prepositions following certain adjectives.
2
Evaluate standard idiomatic usage for the adjective 'attuned'.
In standard English conventions, 'attuned' correctly pairs with the preposition 'to'.
The idiom 'attuned to' means being in harmony with or sensitive to a particular phenomenon or stimulus.
3
Select the option that replaces the unidiomatic phrasing with the correct preposition.
The option featuring 'attuned to' provides the grammatically and idiomatically sound correction.
Prepositions like 'with', 'for', and 'toward' create unidiomatic phrasing with 'attuned'.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Preposition Pairs (Adjective + Preposition)
Estimated Time:45s
Question 16Question →

Read the sentence below:

"The lead architectural supervisor insisted that all contractors working on the historical restoration project must strictly comply to the revised structural safety regulations established by the city council."

Which of the following choices best replaces the underlined portion to make the sentence idiomatically and grammatically correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: comply with

Answer

The phrasing 'comply with' correctly establishes the standard idiomatic verb-preposition combination in English.
In standard written English, the verb 'comply' idiomatically requires the preposition 'with' when indicating adherence to commands, rules, or standards. Therefore, 'comply with' is the only grammatically and idiomatically correct selection.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the base verb and preposition in the underlined portion.
The sentence currently pairs the verb 'comply' with the preposition 'to'.
Prepositional usage in formal English depends on specific fixed idiomatic pairings.
2
Determine the correct idiomatic preposition paired with 'comply'.
The standard English idiom is 'comply with'.
When expressing adherence to rules, guidelines, or mandates, 'comply' is strictly followed by 'with'.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Prepositions (Verb + Preposition Pairings)
Question 17Question →

Read the sentence below and answer the question that follows.

Although the lead paleontologist had spent decades studying avian evolution, she remained oddly averse with accepting the newly discovered fossil as a direct link between theropods and modern birds.

Which of the following choices produces a grammatically and idiomatically correct sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: averse to

Answer

The choice 'averse to' is correct because standard English idiom requires the adjective 'averse' to be followed by the preposition 'to'.
In standard written English, the adjective 'averse' must be followed by the preposition 'to' when expressing reluctance or opposition (e.g., 'averse to accepting').

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined phrase and the word being modified.
The underlined phrase is 'averse with', which follows the adjective 'averse'.
English idiomatic expressions require specific prepositions following specific adjectives.
2
Determine the correct standard English prepositional pairing for 'averse'.
The adjective 'averse' (meaning opposed or disinclined) idiomatically pairs with 'to'.
Prepositions such as 'with', 'from', or 'against' violate standard English usage when attached to 'averse'.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Preposition Usage
Question 18Question →

Read the sentence below:

During their study of ancient acoustic chamber design, sound engineers determined that the resonance frequencies of the stone halls were commensurate to the structural dimensions of the instruments stored within.

Which choice best completes the sentence according to the conventions of standard written English?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: commensurate with

Answer

commensurate with
In standard written English, the adjective 'commensurate' idiomatically pairs with the preposition 'with' when indicating that something is proportionate or corresponding in size or degree.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target adjective in the underlined phrase.
The adjective is 'commensurate', which requires a specific idiomatic preposition when describing proportional relationships.
Standard written English dictates fixed prepositional pairings for specific adjectives.
2
Evaluate the idiom requirement for 'commensurate'.
The standard idiomatic expression is 'commensurate with', meaning corresponding in size, degree, or extent.
Prepositions such as 'to', 'for', and 'towards' violate standard English usage rules when following 'commensurate'.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Adjective-Preposition Pairings
Question 19Question →

Read the sentence below and answer the question that follows.

Under the terms of the updated institutional protocol, external audit teams are strictly precluded with accessing confidential participant data without prior clearance from the ethics board.

Which choice provides the idiomatically correct preposition to complete the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: precluded from

Answer

The correct option replaces the underlined portion with 'precluded from', establishing the proper prepositional idiom required after the verb 'preclude'.
The verb 'preclude' means to prevent or make impossible, and in standard English grammar, it idiomatically pairs with the preposition 'from' followed by a gerund (e.g., 'precluded from accessing'). The phrasing 'precluded from' is the only option that adheres to standard idiomatic conventions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the base word requiring an idiomatic prepositional complement.
The target word in the underlined portion is the past participle verb 'precluded'.
English idiomatic conventions dictate specific preposition choices for particular verbs.
2
Determine the correct idiomatic preposition paired with 'preclude'.
The verb 'preclude' idiomatically requires the preposition 'from' (e.g., 'precluded from accessing').
Verbs meaning to hinder, prevent, or forbid consistently pair with 'from'.
3
Evaluate the options to select the correct replacement.
Replacing 'precluded with' with 'precluded from' makes the sentence idiomatically and grammatically sound.
The other prepositional options ('with', 'against', 'towards') violate standard English conventions.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Prepositions
Question 20Question →

Read the sentence below:

The lead astrophysicist noted that the quiet, isolated setting of the mountain observatory was extraordinarily conducive for long periods of uninterrupted data analysis.

Which choice best completes the sentence idiomatically and grammatically?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: conducive to

Answer

conducive to
The adjective 'conducive' idiomatically requires the preposition 'to' when expressing that a condition helps bring about a particular result. Thus, the phrase 'conducive to' is the only choice that adheres to standard English conventions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined adjective-preposition combination in the context of the sentence.
The sentence uses the phrase 'conducive for'.
Standard English conventions mandate specific prepositions following specific adjectives.
2
Determine the standard idiomatic preposition paired with the adjective 'conducive'.
The adjective 'conducive' idiomatically requires the preposition 'to'.
When indicating that something helps produce or encourage a outcome, 'conducive' is always followed by 'to'.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Prepositions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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