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Grammatical Structure

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Question 881Question →

Which prepositions correctly fill the blanks to complete the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

The regulatory board noted that the firm's administrative conduct was at variance established policy, rendering its operational license incompatible federal guidelines.
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Answer

The correct prepositions for the blanks are 'with' for {{blank_1}} and 'with' for {{blank_2}}.
The fixed idiom 'at variance with' indicates a state of dispute or discrepancy. Additionally, the complement of the adjective 'incompatible' is governed by the preposition 'with'. Therefore, both blanks require 'with'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the required preposition for the fixed prepositional phrase 'at variance'.
The phrase takes 'with' (forming 'at variance with').
'At variance with' is an established prepositional collocation meaning in disagreement or conflict with something.
2
Determine the dependent preposition governed by the adjective 'incompatible'.
The adjective takes 'with' (forming 'incompatible with').
The adjective 'incompatible' strictly collocates with the preposition 'with' to denote inability to exist alongside another thing.

Key Concept

Prepositional phrases and dependent prepositions
Question 882Question →

Which prepositions correctly fill the blanks to complete the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

Despite the loud protests outside the courtroom, the judge remained impervious emotional appeals and based her ruling strictly the legal evidence presented.
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Answer

The correct prepositions are 'to' for the first blank and 'on' for the second blank.
The adjective 'impervious' correctly collocates with the preposition 'to' (meaning incapable of being affected by), while the transitive verb 'based' naturally requires the dependent preposition 'on' to designate the underlying grounds of the ruling.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the dependent preposition required by the adjective 'impervious'.
The adjective 'impervious' takes the preposition 'to' to express being unaffected or uninfluenced by something.
In standard English grammatical usage, 'impervious to' is a fixed adjective-preposition collocation.
2
Determine the preposition required by the verb construction 'based her ruling'.
The verb 'base' requires the preposition 'on' (or 'upon') when specifying the foundation, premise, or evidence for a decision.
'Based on' is the standard prepositional phrase structure used when referencing supporting evidence.

Key Concept

Dependent prepositions following adjectives and verbs
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 883Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the appropriate preposition(s) in the blank(s).

Fill in the blanks below

The committee chairman emphasized that the proposed regulatory policy was fraught serious legal ambiguities, warning that any unilateral enforcement by the agency would be in contravention statutory provisions.
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Answer

The prepositions 'with' and 'of' correctly complete the sentence as 'fraught with' and 'in contravention of'.
The correct prepositions are 'with' for the first blank and 'of' for the second blank. The adjective 'fraught' takes the dependent preposition 'with' when describing situations involving risk, danger, or ambiguities. Furthermore, the formal prepositional idiom 'in contravention of' correctly expresses the idea of acting against established statutory provisions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the dependent preposition required by the adjective 'fraught'.
The adjective 'fraught' collates exclusively with the preposition 'with' when referring to being filled or laden with something unpleasant or undesirable (e.g., 'fraught with danger/ambiguities').
Using prepositions such as 'by', 'of', or 'to' after 'fraught' breaks standard English collocation rules.
2
Identify the correct multi-word prepositional phrase structure for 'in contravention'.
The complex prepositional phrase is 'in contravention of', which means in violation of or in conflict with a rule, law, or statutory provision.
The noun 'contravention' takes 'of' to connect to its object in legal and administrative contexts.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions and Fixed Prepositional Phrases
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 884Question →

Despite the governing council's initial reluctance to acquiesce _____ the newly proposed administrative reforms, the Vice-Chancellor maintained that strict compliance was concomitant _____ sustainable academic excellence.

Which pair of prepositions correctly completes the sentence above?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: in / with

Answer

The correct pair of prepositions is 'in / with'.
The verb 'acquiesce' idiomatically requires the dependent preposition 'in' when expressing passive consent or agreement to a policy, demand, or decision. Concurrently, the adjective 'concomitant' forms a fixed collocation with 'with' when indicating accompanying events or qualities. Therefore, the option containing 'in / with' is the only syntactically and idiomatically correct choice.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the dependent preposition required by the verb 'acquiesce'.
The verb 'acquiesce' (meaning to accept or agree passively) standardly takes the preposition 'in' (e.g., acquiesce in a decision/plan).
Although 'acquiesce to' is frequently used in informal speech, formal standard English and JAMB examination standards strictly require 'in'.
2
Determine the prepositional collocation required by the adjective 'concomitant'.
The adjective 'concomitant' (meaning naturally accompanying or associated) pairs idiomatically with the preposition 'with'.
Prepositional complements following adjectives of association or co-occurrence standardly select 'with'.
3
Combine the two correct prepositions to complete the sentence.
The completed sentence reads: '...acquiesce in the newly proposed administrative reforms... concomitant with sustainable academic excellence.'
This satisfies both grammatical dependencies perfectly.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions and Fixed Adjectival Collocations
Question 885Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blanks with the most appropriate prepositions.

Fill in the blanks below

The executive council affirmed that the implementation of the proposed fiscal policy remains contingent the approval of the legislature, emphasizing that all budgetary allocations must be commensurate prevailing macroeconomic realities.
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Answer

The first blank requires 'on' or 'upon', while the second blank requires 'with'.
The adjective 'contingent' takes the dependent preposition 'on' (or 'upon') to indicate that an outcome depends on a specific condition. Furthermore, 'commensurate' strictly collocates with the preposition 'with' when describing proportional correspondence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the dependent preposition that correctly follows the adjective 'contingent'.
The adjective 'contingent' requires 'on' or 'upon' when expressing dependence on a future conditional event or authority.
In standard English usage, the established prepositional pattern is 'contingent on' or 'contingent upon'.
2
Identify the standard prepositional collocation required by the adjective 'commensurate'.
The adjective 'commensurate' mandates the preposition 'with' when denoting equality of proportion, extent, or degree.
Pairing 'commensurate' with prepositions such as 'to' or 'against' is non-standard; the correct idiom is 'commensurate with'.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions and Adjective-Preposition Collocations
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 886Question →

The committee reported that the manager's actions were detrimental _____ the company's reputation and carried out in direct opposition _____ the board's standing instructions. Which pair of prepositions correctly completes the sentence?

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Answer: to / to

Answer

The correct pair of prepositions is 'to / to'.
The correct answer utilizes 'to / to' because the adjective 'detrimental' takes the dependent preposition 'to', and the idiomatic complex prepositional phrase is 'in direct opposition to'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the dependent preposition required by the adjective 'detrimental'.
The adjective 'detrimental' idiomatically governs the preposition 'to' (e.g., 'detrimental to health/reputation').
Adjectives indicating harm or benefit typically take 'to' rather than 'for' or 'on'.
2
Determine the correct preposition completing the phrase 'in direct opposition _____'.
The fixed prepositional phrase is 'in direct opposition to'.
The noun phrase 'in opposition' requires the complement preposition 'to' when introducing the object being opposed.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions and Fixed Prepositional Phrases
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 887Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the most appropriate prepositions to fill the blanks.

Fill in the blanks below

Although the chief financial officer claimed to be fully conversant the new auditing regulations, her report was found to be completely at variance the statutory guidelines.
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Answer

The first blank is filled by 'with' and the second blank is filled by 'with'.
The adjective 'conversant' correctly pairs with the dependent preposition 'with' when indicating familiarity with rules or facts. Similarly, the fixed idiomatic expression 'at variance' takes the preposition 'with' to signify inconsistency or opposition.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the dependent preposition required by the adjective 'conversant'.
The adjective 'conversant' standardly collocates with the preposition 'with' (meaning familiar with or knowledgeable about).
English grammatical convention dictates that one is conversant with a subject.
2
Identify the fixed prepositional phrase containing 'at variance'.
The idiom 'at variance' requires the preposition 'with' to show conflict or disagreement with a set of standards.
The standard prepositional expression is 'at variance with'.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions and Fixed Prepositional Phrases
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 888Question →

Which prepositions correctly complete the blanks in the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

The union leaders argued that the new management policy was completely incompatible existing labor laws, leaving the workforce entirely indifferent any proposed compromises.
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Answer

The correct prepositions are 'with' for the first blank and 'to' for the second blank.
The adjective 'incompatible' requires the dependent preposition 'with' to signal inconsistency, while 'indifferent' requires 'to' to indicate apathy or unconcern.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the dependent preposition required by the adjective 'incompatible'.
The adjective 'incompatible' collocates strictly with 'with' when indicating conflict or inability to coexist.
Standard English usage rules require 'incompatible with'.
2
Identify the dependent preposition required by the adjective 'indifferent'.
The adjective 'indifferent' collocates strictly with 'to' when indicating lack of interest or concern.
Standard grammatical collocation dictates that one is 'indifferent to' something.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions following Adjectives
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 889Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the most appropriate prepositions to fill the blanks.

Fill in the blanks below

The managing director remained impervious public criticism, maintaining that the restructuring plan was ultimately conducive the company's long-term growth.
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Answer

The correct preposition for both blanks is 'to'.
The word 'impervious' forms a fixed prepositional collocation with 'to', meaning unaffected by something. Similarly, 'conducive' requires the dependent preposition 'to' when indicating contributing toward a result.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the correct dependent preposition for the adjective 'impervious'.
The adjective 'impervious' takes the preposition 'to' (impervious to).
In standard English usage, 'impervious' signifies being incapable of being affected, influenced, or damaged, and standardly collocates with 'to'.
2
Determine the correct dependent preposition for the adjective 'conducive'.
The adjective 'conducive' takes the preposition 'to' (conducive to).
The adjective 'conducive' means making a certain outcome likely or possible, and strictly requires the preposition 'to'.

Key Concept

Adjective-Preposition Collocations
Question 890Question →

Which prepositions correctly complete the sentence below?

'The state governor declared that the proposed educational reforms were completely at variance _____ the aspirations of the local community and urged all stakeholders to desist _____ spreading misleading rumors.'

Show answer & explanation

Answer: with / from

Answer

The sentence is correctly completed by the pair 'with / from'.
The fixed prepositional phrase 'at variance with' expresses conflict or disagreement. Additionally, the verb 'desist' requires the preposition 'from' when specifying the action being stopped. Therefore, the option containing 'with / from' completes the sentence correctly.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the required preposition following the idiom 'at variance ____'.
The standard English idiom is 'at variance with', meaning in disagreement or opposition.
Fixed prepositional phrases require exact collocations.
2
Determine the dependent preposition governed by the verb 'desist ____'.
The verb 'desist' takes the complement preposition 'from'.
Certain verbs in formal English strictly govern specific prepositions.

Key Concept

Prepositional Idioms and Dependent Prepositions
Question 891Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the correct prepositions to fill the blanks.

Fill in the blanks below

The investigative panel concluded that the managing director had acquiesced the fraudulent financial transactions and was entirely devoid remorse for his actions.
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Answer

The correct prepositions are 'in' for the first blank and 'of' for the second blank.
The verb 'acquiesce' requires the dependent preposition 'in' to express tacit agreement or compliance, while the adjective 'devoid' consistently pairs with 'of' to mean completely lacking.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the correct dependent preposition that follows the verb 'acquiesce'.
The verb 'acquiesce' strictly collocates with the preposition 'in' when expressing passive compliance or agreement.
Using 'to' or 'with' after 'acquiesce' is a common prepositional error resulting from native language interference or erroneous analogy with 'agree to'.
2
Identify the standard preposition paired with the adjective 'devoid'.
The adjective 'devoid' takes the fixed preposition 'of' to denote being completely destitute or lacking in a quality.
Phrases such as 'devoid with' or 'devoid from' violate standard grammatical collocations in formal English.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions and Fixed Prepositional Collocations
Question 892Question →

The committee chairman noted that although several board members were initially skeptical of the restructuring policy, they eventually proved amenable _____ the proposed changes. Which preposition correctly completes the sentence above?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: to

Answer

The correct option is 'to' because the adjective 'amenable' requires the preposition 'to' when signifying open, responsive, or willing to yield.
In standard formal English, the adjective 'amenable' takes the dependent preposition 'to' when used to mean open, receptive, or agreeable to a plan or advice. Therefore, 'to' is the only grammatically correct choice.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the head adjective requiring a dependent preposition in the sentence context.
The word requiring a complement preposition is the predicate adjective 'amenable'.
Certain adjectives in English take obligatory fixed dependent prepositions to complete their meaning.
2
Recall standard prepositional collocation rules for 'amenable'.
The correct complement structure is 'amenable to something' (meaning responsive, willing, or agreeable to something).
Substituting other prepositions such as 'with', 'for', or 'about' violates standard grammatical usage in formal English.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions and Adjective-Preposition Collocations
Question 893Question →

Which prepositions correctly complete the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

The university senate insisted that all postgraduate applications must conform the newly approved admission guidelines, irrespective the applicants' prior qualifications.
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Answer

The correct prepositions needed to complete the sentence are 'to' for the first blank and 'of' for the second blank.
The verb 'conform' requires the dependent preposition 'to' when indicating adherence to established standards or guidelines. Additionally, 'irrespective' forms a fixed prepositional phrase with 'of' ('irrespective of') to mean 'without taking into account'. Thus, 'to' and 'of' correctly complete the sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the correct dependent preposition required after the verb 'conform' when referring to rules or standards.
The verb 'conform' collocates with the preposition 'to'.
In standard English usage, one conforms 'to' a set of rules, regulations, or guidelines.
2
Identify the standard multi-word prepositional phrase starting with 'irrespective'.
The fixed prepositional phrase is 'irrespective of'.
'Irrespective' requires the preposition 'of' to form a functioning compound preposition meaning 'regardless of'.

Key Concept

Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 894Question →

The newly appointed chief financial officer insisted that the company's financial strategies must be strictly aligned ______ established regulatory frameworks, rather than being subservient ______ individual executive preferences. Which pair of prepositions correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: with / to

Answer

The prepositions 'with' and 'to' correctly complete the sentence as 'aligned with' and 'subservient to'.
The expression 'aligned with' is the correct dependent prepositional phrase used to express agreement or harmony with a set of guidelines, while 'subservient to' correctly denotes being subordinate or secondary to something else.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the dependent preposition required by 'aligned'.
The word 'aligned' collocates with 'with' when expressing conformity to a rule, policy, or framework.
'Aligned with' is the standard idiomatic expression.
2
Determine the dependent preposition required by 'subservient'.
The adjective 'subservient' requires the preposition 'to' to denote yielding or subordination.
'Subservient to' is the established grammatical complement.

Key Concept

Dependent prepositions and adjective-preposition collocations
Question 895Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blanks with the appropriate prepositions.

Fill in the blanks below

Rather than supporting the organization's overarching mission, the project manager's controversial proposal was deemed inimical long-term institutional stability and executed in total defiance established policy.
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Answer

The first blank requires 'to' (inimical to) and the second blank requires 'of' (in defiance of).
The correct prepositions are 'to' and 'of'. The formal adjective 'inimical' requires the dependent preposition 'to' (e.g., 'inimical to growth'). The multi-word prepositional idiom indicating open resistance is fixed as 'in defiance of'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the dependent preposition required by the adjective 'inimical'.
The adjective 'inimical' strictly takes the preposition 'to' when describing something adverse or harmful.
In standard English grammar, adjectives expressing hostility or opposition take specific prepositional complements ('inimical to').
2
Identify the standard preposition completing the complex prepositional phrase 'in defiance _____'.
The correct fixed prepositional expression is 'in defiance of'.
The noun 'defiance' in this idiomatic phrase collocates specifically with 'of' to signify disregard or resistance.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions and Fixed Prepositional Phrases
Question 896Question →

Although the regional manager was initially hesitant, he eventually became reconciled _____ the sweeping corporate reforms, especially after the board prevailed _____ him to lead the implementation committee.

Which of the following pairs of prepositions correctly completes the sentence above?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: to / upon

Answer

The correct prepositions are 'to / upon'.
The preposition 'to' correctly completes the expression 'reconciled to', which signifies becoming resigned to or accepting an unwelcome circumstance. The preposition 'upon' correctly completes 'prevail upon', an established idiomatic construction meaning to persuade someone to take action.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the first blank following 'reconciled' in the context of accepting an unwanted situation ('sweeping corporate reforms').
The correct preposition is 'to' because 'reconciled to' means coming to accept an unpleasant or undesirable state of affairs.
Using 'with' would incorrectly imply restoring personal harmony with an individual or group rather than resigning oneself to a situation.
2
Analyze the second blank following 'prevailed' in the context of influencing or persuading someone ('him to lead the implementation committee').
The correct preposition is 'upon' (or 'on') because 'prevail upon' is an idiomatic verb-preposition pair meaning to successfully persuade or induce someone to take action.
Using 'over' or 'against' would alter the meaning to defeating or gaining victory over an adversary.

Key Concept

Dependent prepositions and contextual prepositional collocations
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 897Question →

The newly appointed committee chairman promised that all members would strictly abide _____ the regulations established by the board. Which preposition correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: by

Answer

The preposition 'by' correctly completes the phrase 'abide by', meaning to accept and obey a decision or rule.
The verb 'abide' conventionally pairs with the preposition 'by' to form the fixed phrasal verb meaning to follow or obey rules, laws, or agreements.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the main verb requiring a prepositional complement in the sentence
The main verb is 'abide'.
The sentence tests the fixed prepositional collocation associated with the verb 'abide'.
2
Determine the correct fixed preposition for 'abide' when referring to rules or regulations
'Abide' takes the preposition 'by'.
In standard English grammar, 'abide by' is a fixed prepositional expression meaning to observe or conform to rules.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions and Fixed Verb-Preposition Collocations
Estimated Time:45s
Question 898Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the correct prepositions in the blanks.

Fill in the blanks below

The tribunal declared that the submitted documentation was completely bereft credible financial records, rendering the director's defence tantamount an outright admission of corruption.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The first blank requires 'of' to form the adjectival collocation 'bereft of', and the second blank requires 'to' to form the dependent prepositional structure 'tantamount to'.
The correct prepositions are 'of' for the first blank and 'to' for the second blank. In standard formal English, the adjective 'bereft' takes the dependent preposition 'of' to signify complete lack or deprivation. Similarly, the adjective 'tantamount' takes the fixed preposition 'to' when describing something that is equal in seriousness or significance to another thing.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the required dependent preposition for the adjective 'bereft'.
The adjective 'bereft' strictly requires the preposition 'of' when indicating a state of being deprived of or lacking something.
Prepositions such as 'with', 'from', or 'in' are ungrammatical collocations when paired with 'bereft'.
2
Determine the required preposition for the adjective 'tantamount'.
The adjective 'tantamount' obligatorily pairs with 'to' when denoting equivalence in meaning, force, or effect.
Using 'with', 'for', or 'of' after 'tantamount' violates standard English prepositional rules.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions and Adjectival Collocations
Question 899Question →

The investigative panel noted that leaking confidential executive files prior to the hearing would be highly prejudicial _____ the proceedings and completely subversive _____ established board protocol. Which pair of prepositions correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: to / of

Answer

The pair 'to / of' correctly completes the sentence because 'prejudicial to' and 'subversive of' are the fixed, standard prepositional collocations.
The correct option provides the exact prepositional collocations required by the adjectives: 'prejudicial to' means harmful or damaging to an outcome, and 'subversive of' means seeking to undermine an established authority or protocol.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the dependent preposition required by the formal adjective 'prejudicial'.
In formal academic and legal contexts, 'prejudicial' requires the preposition 'to' when taking an object (e.g., prejudicial to the proceedings).
Adjectives denoting harm or detriment, such as 'prejudicial', 'inimical', and 'detrimental', grammatically govern 'to'.
2
Identify the dependent preposition required by the adjective 'subversive'.
The adjective 'subversive' requires the preposition 'of' when followed by a noun phrase complement (e.g., subversive of protocol).
Adjectives and nouns indicating destruction, undermining, or overthrowing typically collocate with 'of'.

Key Concept

Dependent prepositions following adjectives of impact and subversion
Question 900Question →

Read the sentence below carefully and identify the word that ensures proper grammatical alignment. What pronoun correctly completes the given sentence?

Fill in the blanks below

Every one of the female research fellows presented findings at the international bioethics symposium.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

her
The correct answer is 'her'. The grammatical subject of the sentence is the singular indefinite expression 'Every one'. The prepositional phrase 'of the female research fellows' specifies gender while leaving the subject singular. Therefore, the singular feminine possessive pronoun 'her' maintains correct agreement.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical antecedent of the pronoun in the sentence.
The simple subject and true antecedent is the singular indefinite expression 'Every one', modified by the prepositional phrase 'of the female research fellows'.
Indefinite pronoun constructions beginning with 'every one' are grammatically singular, regardless of any plural nouns within the modifying prepositional phrase.
2
Determine the appropriate number and gender for the possessive pronoun.
Since the modifying phrase explicitly identifies a female group ('female research fellows'), the singular feminine possessive pronoun 'her' is required.
A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in both number (singular) and gender (feminine).

Key Concept

Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement with Singular Indefinite Expressions
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