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Difficulty: MediumCollocations and Fixed Phrases

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the appropriate word to form a standard English fixed expression.

Answer:During the court proceedings, the defense attorney argued that the prosecutor was merely attempting to cast 【aspersions】 on the integrity of the primary witness.

Answer

The word that correctly completes the fixed phrase is 'aspersions', forming the standard collocation 'cast aspersions on'.
In standard formal English, the fixed phrase 'cast aspersions on' is used to express making critical, damaging, or defamatory remarks about someone's character or integrity. The noun 'aspersions' naturally collocates with the verb 'cast' and preposition 'on'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence frame and identify the target verb-noun-preposition collocation structure.
The sentence requires a noun to complete the fixed expression 'to cast _____ on someone/something'.
English lexis relies on fixed pairings where specific verbs combine with designated nouns and prepositions to convey precise meanings.
2
Select the conventional lexical pairing that fits the context of attacking someone's character or reputation.
The standard fixed idiom is 'cast aspersions on', which means to make derogatory remarks or attack someone's character.
Alternative noun choices such as 'doubts', 'blame', or 'slurs' do not form the standard, formal fixed phrase required in formal register and standard English assessments.

Key Concept

Collocations and Fixed Phrases
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Collocations and Fixed Phrases

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