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Difficulty: HardCollocation and Idiomatic Fit

Although the newly appointed director claimed to maintain complete analytical objectivity during the investigation, her persistent deference to external sponsors revealed that her research agenda was far from independent, remaining inextricably ________ the financial interests of those who funded the study. Which of the following options best completes the sentence?

  1. beholden toAnswer
  2. B
    beholden with
  3. C
    subservient of
  4. D
    impervious to
  5. E
    indifferent toward

Answer

beholden to
The phrase 'beholden to' provides the precise meaning required (owing allegiance or being constrained by obligation) while adhering to standard English prepositional complementation. The context establishes that the director's agenda was dependent upon financial sponsors.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze structural contrast signals in the stem
The clause 'far from independent' and concession word 'Although' establish that the blank must express a relationship of reliance, obligation, or subjection to sponsors.
The sentence contrasts the claimed objectivity with the actual deference shown to external funders.
2
Evaluate semantic fit among option candidates
Expressions signifying obligation or allegiance fit the logic of being non-independent.
The context requires a phrase indicating that the research agenda is tied to and governed by financial interests.
3
Verify standard idiomatic prepositional complementation
'Beholden to' is the only candidate that satisfies both the contextual meaning and standard English idiomatic usage.
'Beholden' strictly governs the preposition 'to', whereas 'beholden with' and 'subservient of' violate established prepositional collocations.

Key Concept

Collocation and Idiomatic Fit
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Topics

Collocation and Idiomatic Fit

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