Examkin

Question

Difficulty: Very hardCollocation and Idiomatic Fit

Complete the passage by providing the exact idiomatic phrases that correctly fill each blank.

Answer:Although the monograph was initially criticized as being at variance with prevailing historiography, its foundational premise was ultimately judged to be entirely 【consonant with】 empirical data collected across the region; far from being indifferent to precedent, the scholar’s methodology remained firmly 【tethered to】 traditional archival rigor.

Answer

The first blank requires 'consonant with' to form the standard collocation meaning harmonious or consistent with data, contrasting with 'at variance with'. The second blank requires 'tethered to' to express being firmly bound or linked to traditional rigor, completing the parallel idiomatic complement structure.
The correct response combines 'consonant with' in the first blank and 'tethered to' in the second blank. 'Consonant with' establishes the proper adjective-preposition collocation indicating harmony with empirical data, directly contrasting the initial charge of being 'at variance with'. 'Tethered to' correctly completes the passive participial collocation requiring the preposition 'to' to denote being bound to established archival standards.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze structural contrast and reversal clues in the first clause.
The concessive transition 'Although' signals a contrast between initial criticism ('at variance with prevailing historiography') and the ultimate evaluation of the premise against empirical data.
The blank must mean compatible or in agreement with, requiring an adjective that idiomatically pairs with the preposition 'with'.
2
Evaluate idiomatic fit for the first blank.
'consonant with' correctly forms the standard adjective-preposition collocation meaning in agreement or harmony with.
Alternative prepositions such as 'consonant to' or 'consonant of' are unidiomatic in standard academic written English.
3
Analyze the elaborate elaboration clue in the second clause.
The phrase 'far from being indifferent to precedent' establishes that the methodology maintained a strong connection to rigor.
The second blank requires a participial collocation taking the preposition 'to' that signifies attachment or binding.
4
Select the correct collocation for the second blank.
'tethered to' idiomatic fit completes the sentence, denoting a firm connection or restriction to traditional standards.
Phrases like 'tethered with' or 'tethered by' alter or break the required prepositional complement pattern in this context.

Key Concept

Collocation and Idiomatic Fit
Rate this question

Topics

Collocation and Idiomatic Fit

More questions from this topic