Read the sentence below and determine which verb correctly completes the standard English … — JAMB UTME

Read the sentence below and determine which verb correctly completes the standard English collocation:

"During his opening address, the principal was careful to ______ emphasis on the importance of punctuality and discipline."

The correct verb is 'lay', forming the standard collocation 'lay emphasis on'.

In formal standard English, the verb 'lay' collocates with 'emphasis' when followed by 'on' to mean highlighting or stressing a particular point.

Identify the target noun and accompanying preposition in the sentence gap.

The target phrase is '______ emphasis on'.

Collocations depend on fixed combinations of specific verbs, nouns, and prepositions.

Evaluate the option verbs against standard idiomatic usage in English.

'Lay' is the conventional verb that pairs with 'emphasis on' to mean highlighting or stressing something.

Other verbs like 'make', 'give', or 'put' sound un-idiomatic or unnatural to native speakers in formal English.

Verb-Noun Collocations

Estimated Time:45s

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