Fill in the blank with the correct word to complete the fixed expression. Which word prope… — JAMB UTME

Fill in the blank with the correct word to complete the fixed expression. Which word properly completes the sentence?

Answer:The prolonged drought in the northern region has taken a heavy 【toll】 on agricultural productivity and local livelihoods.

The correct word to fill the blank is 'toll'.

The word 'toll' forms the standard fixed collocation 'take a heavy toll on', which means to cause serious loss, suffering, or damage over time.

Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the required phrase structure.

The sentence describes severe adverse consequences resulting from a prolonged drought.

The structure 'taken a heavy [word] on' requires a specific noun to complete the fixed idiom.

Identify the standard English collocation.

The noun 'toll' combines with 'take a heavy' and 'on' to form the standard expression 'take a heavy toll on'.

The expression 'take a heavy toll on' is an established collocation meaning to cause gradual damage, suffering, or loss.

Fixed Collocations and Idiomatic Expressions

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