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Difficulty: MediumCollocation and Idiomatic Fit

Complete the passage below by entering the appropriate word or idiomatic phrase into each blank to satisfy standard academic English collocation and structural coherence.

Answer:Although the neuroscientist's groundbreaking findings were initially thought to be 【at odds with】 classical cognitive theories, meticulous peer reviews confirmed that her observations were actually 【in keeping with】 established neurological principles.

Answer

Blank 1 requires an idiomatic phrase signaling conflict or opposition such as 'at odds with' or 'inimical to', while Blank 2 requires a collocation signaling agreement or harmony such as 'in keeping with' or 'congruent with'.
The structural contrast signaled by 'Although' and 'actually' requires Blank 1 to express opposition to classical theories (such as 'at odds with' or 'inimical to') and Blank 2 to express alignment with established principles (such as 'in keeping with' or 'congruent with'). Both expressions satisfy standard academic English prepositional collocation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify structural contrast signals in the sentence.
The concession signal 'Although' paired with the pivot 'actually' indicates a reversal between the initial assumption about the findings and the ultimate peer-reviewed reality.
Recognizing structural transitions determines the semantic polarity required for each blank.
2
Determine the idiomatic requirements for Blank 1.
Blank 1 describes how the findings initially appeared incompatible with classical theories, requiring a phrase indicating opposition paired with its correct preposition (e.g., 'at odds with' or 'inimical to').
The initial clause requires an expression of conflict that satisfies standard English prepositional complementation.
3
Determine the idiomatic requirements for Blank 2.
Blank 2 describes the reality confirmed by peer review, requiring an expression of alignment paired with its correct preposition (e.g., 'in keeping with' or 'congruent with').
The contrast introduced by 'actually' demands a phrase indicating harmony and proper prepositional fit.

Key Concept

Collocation and Idiomatic Fit
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Topics

Collocation and Idiomatic Fit

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