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Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases

119 questions

All types119Multiple choice62Fill in the blank57
Question 1Question →

Despite strong objections from the minority shareholders, the board of directors eventually acquiesced _____ the proposal to merge with the multinational corporation. Which of the following prepositions correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: in

Answer

The preposition 'in' correctly completes the sentence as the verb 'acquiesce' standardly governs 'in'.
The verb 'acquiesce' (meaning to accept or agree to something reluctantly without protest) strictly takes the dependent preposition 'in'. Therefore, the completed sentence correctly reads: '...eventually acquiesced in the proposal...'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the head verb in the sentence requiring a dependent preposition.
The verb is 'acquiesced'.
Dependent prepositions are fixed by the governing verb that precedes the gap.
2
Determine the correct standard prepositional complement for 'acquiesce'.
The correct complement is 'in'.
In standard formal English grammar, one acquiesces 'in' a matter, arrangement, or decision.
3
Evaluate and eliminate distractors based on false analogies with similar verbs.
Options using 'to', 'with', and 'for' are rejected.
Expressions like 'agree to' or 'comply with' lead to L1 transfer or analogy errors, but 'acquiesce' exclusively requires 'in'.

Key Concept

Fixed dependent prepositions after specific verbs (Verb + Preposition collocations)
Question 2Question →

In restructuring the state's healthcare infrastructure, the executive council opted for a decentralized administration __________ the centralized management system that had previously proven inefficient.

Which of the following prepositional phrases correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: in preference to

Answer

The phrase 'in preference to' correctly completes the sentence because it is the established fixed prepositional phrase used in formal English to indicate choice between alternatives.
The compound prepositional phrase 'in preference to' is the standard idiomatic expression used to show that one alternative has been selected instead of another. In formal English grammar, the fixed phrase 'in preference' requires the terminal preposition 'to'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the syntactic context and meaning of the sentence.
The context requires a complex prepositional phrase meaning 'rather than' or 'instead of' to introduce the rejected alternative (the centralized management system).
Determining the relationship between the two noun phrases establishes the specific prepositional structure required.
2
Evaluate standard prepositional collocations involving the noun 'preference'.
While the noun 'preference' takes 'for' in simple contexts (e.g., 'a preference for localized management'), the multi-word prepositional phrase construction strictly demands 'in preference to'.
Fixed prepositional phrases follow strict idiomatic constraints that cannot be altered by substituting complementary prepositions.
3
Eliminate non-standard prepositional variants.
Forms such as 'in preference of', 'in preference over', and 'in preference for' are erroneous and non-standard in formal English grammar.
These incorrect options stem from prepositional particle mismatch and false structural analogies.

Key Concept

Fixed Prepositional Phrases and Idiomatic Collocations
Question 3Question →

The testimony provided by the key witness was completely at variance _____ the official report presented by the police department. Which of the following prepositions correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: with

Answer

The preposition 'with' is the correct choice because 'at variance with' is a standard fixed prepositional phrase in English.
The correct answer utilizes 'with' because 'at variance with' is a standard, fixed prepositional phrase meaning to be inconsistent, contradictory, or in conflict with a fact or statement.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the multi-word prepositional structure in the sentence.
The core phrase is 'at variance _____'.
English requires specific complement prepositions following fixed nominal phrases like 'at variance'.
2
Determine the standard collocated preposition required by 'at variance'.
The correct complement preposition is 'with'.
'At variance with' is an established idiomatic unit meaning inconsistent or in conflict with.

Key Concept

Fixed Prepositional Phrases and Idiomatic Collocations
Question 4Question →

During the corporate restructuring process, the executive director was divested _____ all administrative powers pending the conclusion of the audit. Which preposition correctly completes the sentence below?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: of

Answer

The correct preposition is 'of', making the full sentence read: 'During the corporate restructuring process, the executive director was divested of all administrative powers pending the conclusion of the audit.'
In standard formal English, the verb 'divest' strictly governs the dependent preposition 'of' when signifying the removal or deprivation of power, title, rights, or possessions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the head verb in the main clause requiring a prepositional complement.
The target verb is 'divested' in the passive construction 'was divested _____'.
Certain formal English verbs require specific dependent prepositions to complete their meaning.
2
Determine the standard dependent preposition required by the verb 'divest'.
The standard collocation rule dictates 'divest [someone] of [something]'.
The preposition 'of' expresses deprivation or dispossessing in formal grammatical structure.

Key Concept

Dependent prepositions with verbs of deprivation and dispossessing
Question 5Question →

Before the strategic executive council meeting commenced, the chairman ensured that all department heads were fully __________ the new regulatory guidelines. Which option correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: apprised of

Answer

The expression 'apprised of' correctly completes the sentence because the verb 'apprise' governs the specific preposition 'of' to convey notification or awareness.
In standard formal English, the verb 'apprise' (meaning to inform or give notice to) takes the dependent preposition 'of'. Therefore, the option containing 'apprised of' is the only grammatically and idiomatically correct choice.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the main verb requiring a fixed dependent preposition in the sentence context.
The target word is 'apprised', which functions in the passive structure as a participial adjective needing a prepositional complement.
Certain formal English verbs mandate specific prepositions regardless of near-synonyms.
2
Differentiate the correct prepositional complement from common deceptive distractors.
While 'informed' takes 'about' and 'acquainted' takes 'with', 'apprised' exclusively governs 'of'.
Substituting prepositions from semantic equivalents creates non-standard collocations.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions and Fixed Verbal Collocations
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 6Question →

The ministerial committee was inaugurated by the executive governor with a view _____ the state's public transportation network before the end of the fiscal year. Which of the following options correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: to modernizing

Answer

The sentence is correctly completed by 'to modernizing' because the idiomatic prepositional expression 'with a view to' must be followed by a noun phrase or a gerund.
The complex prepositional phrase 'with a view to' is a fixed idiom in formal English. In this structure, 'to' functions as a terminal preposition rather than an infinitive particle. Consequently, it must govern a noun or gerund (-ing form). Therefore, 'to modernizing' is the only syntactically sound and standard usage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the multi-word prepositional phrase structure
The phrase introduced is 'with a view to', which means 'with the intention or hope of doing something'.
Recognizing the fixed nature of the phrase determines the grammatical requirement of the complementing word.
2
Determine the grammatical function of 'to' in this context
'To' in 'with a view to' acts strictly as a preposition, not as an infinitive marker.
Prepositions in English must be followed by noun objects or gerunds (-ing forms acting as nouns).
3
Select the option featuring the correct prepositional complement
'to modernizing' satisfies both the preposition requirement and the gerund form requirement.
Choosing an bare infinitive like 'to modernize' or altering the preposition to 'of' or 'for' violates standard English syntax.

Key Concept

Fixed Prepositional Phrases followed by Gerunds
Question 7Question →

The storekeeper was instructed to dispose _____ all the expired medications before the health inspectors arrived. Which preposition best completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: of

Answer

The correct preposition is 'of'.
The verb 'dispose' takes the fixed dependent preposition 'of' when it means to throw away or eliminate something. Therefore, 'of' is the only standard and grammatically correct option.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the head verb requiring a dependent preposition in the sentence context.
The verb is 'dispose'.
The sentence context requires expressing the action of getting rid of unwanted materials.
2
Determine the standard preposition that collocates with 'dispose'.
The correct prepositional combination is 'dispose of'.
In standard English grammar, 'dispose' requires the preposition 'of' to complete its meaning appropriately.

Key Concept

Dependent prepositions following specific verbs
Estimated Time:45s
Question 8Question →

The presiding judge ruled that submitting the unverified evidence at this stage of the trial would be highly prejudicial _____ a fair hearing for the defendant. Which preposition correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: to

Answer

to
The adjective 'prejudicial' (meaning causing harm, detriment, or bias) standardly governs the preposition 'to'. Therefore, 'prejudicial to a fair hearing' is the grammatically correct prepositional phrase.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the head adjective requiring a dependent preposition in the clause.
The target adjective is 'prejudicial'.
Certain adjectives in formal English require specific fixed prepositions to link to their nominal complements.
2
Determine the standard grammatical collocation for 'prejudicial'.
The adjective 'prejudicial' standardly pairs with the preposition 'to' (i.e., 'prejudicial to something').
In standard English usage, expressions denoting detriment or damage such as 'prejudicial', 'detrimental', or 'inimical' govern the preposition 'to'.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions following Formal Adjectives
Question 9Question →

During the constitutional review session, the legal scholar argued that the proposed emergency clause was wholly inimical _____ the spirit of democratic governance. Which preposition properly completes the statement?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: to

Answer

The correct preposition is 'to'.
The adjective 'inimical' (meaning adverse, harmful, or hostile) standardly requires the dependent preposition 'to' to form a grammatically accurate prepositional phrase complement. Thus, 'inimical to the spirit' is the correct formulation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the head adjective in the sentence requiring a dependent preposition.
The adjective is 'inimical', which means tending to obstruct or harm; hostile.
Certain formal adjectives in English govern specific, fixed dependent prepositions.
2
Determine the mandatory dependent preposition associated with 'inimical'.
'Inimical' strictly collocates with the preposition 'to' (e.g., 'inimical to growth', 'inimical to freedom').
Substituting other prepositions like 'with', 'against', or 'for' violates standard English prepositional complementation.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions with Formal Adjectives
Question 10Question →

The legal counsel maintained that the proposed amendment to the banking regulation was distinctly prejudicial _____ the operating licenses of microfinance institutions. Which preposition correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: to

Answer

The preposition 'to' correctly completes the sentence because the formal adjective 'prejudicial' takes the fixed preposition 'to' when specifying the target of harm or detriment.
The adjective 'prejudicial' collocates specifically with the preposition 'to' (meaning causing harm or detriment to something). Therefore, 'prejudicial to' is the only grammatically correct structure.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the head word requiring a dependent preposition.
The controlling word in the sentence is the formal adjective 'prejudicial'.
Adjectives in formal English often require specific, fixed dependent prepositions.
2
Determine the correct prepositional collocation for 'prejudicial'.
The standard idiomatic collocation is 'prejudicial to'.
Although synonyms like 'harmful' can take 'to' or 'for', 'prejudicial' strictly collocates with 'to' in administrative and legal register contexts.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions with Formal Adjectives
Question 11Question →

The principal praised the students and congratulated them ______ their exceptional performance in the national debate competition. Which preposition correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: on

Answer

The preposition 'on' correctly completes the sentence.
The verb 'congratulate' standardly governs the preposition 'on' when introducing the accomplishment or event being celebrated.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the main verb governing the blank space
The target verb is 'congratulated'.
Specific English verbs require fixed dependent prepositions.
2
Determine the correct dependent preposition required by 'congratulate'
The verb 'congratulate' strictly takes 'on' when indicating the reason for praise or celebration.
Standard grammatical convention establishes the pattern 'congratulate someone ON something'.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions and Verb-Preposition Collocations
Question 12Question →

The board of directors agreed that the revised executive remuneration package must be strictly ______ the appointee's professional experience and track record. Which prepositional construction correctly completes the sentence above?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: commensurate with

Answer

The phrase 'commensurate with' correctly completes the sentence because the adjective 'commensurate' idiomatically takes the dependent preposition 'with' when indicating that something is corresponding in size, degree, or proportion.
In standard formal English, the adjective 'commensurate' (meaning corresponding in size, extent, or degree) takes the fixed dependent preposition 'with'. Therefore, 'commensurate with' is the grammatically appropriate prepositional combination.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the head adjective requiring a prepositional complement in the sentence stem.
The target adjective is 'commensurate'.
Adjectives in formal English often require specific dependent prepositions to complete their meaning accurately.
2
Determine the correct dependent preposition for 'commensurate' in formal standard English.
The correct dependent preposition is 'with'.
Standard grammatical convention establishes that 'commensurate' collocate with 'with' when describing proportional relationships (e.g., salary commensurate with experience).
3
Evaluate the choices to select the option containing 'commensurate with'.
The option containing 'commensurate with' is selected.
All other prepositions ('to', 'for', 'by') represent non-standard usage or prepositional mismatches.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions and Adjective Collocations
Estimated Time:50s
Question 13Question →

During the community development summit, the council chairman postponed the launch of the new infrastructure project ______ the wishes of the traditional elders.

Which prepositional phrase correctly completes the sentence above?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: in deference to

Answer

The prepositional phrase 'in deference to' correctly completes the sentence to mean acting out of respect for the elders' wishes.
The phrase 'in deference to' is an established English idiom meaning 'out of respect for' or 'in polite submission to'. In formal register, the noun 'deference' requires the preposition 'to' when indicating the person, institution, or wish being respected.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the semantic context of the sentence
The context indicates that the chairman yielded or showed respectful submission to the wishes of the traditional elders.
Identifying the target meaning determines which prepositional phrase is required.
2
Select the fixed prepositional collocation matching the intended meaning
The noun 'deference' strictly collocates with the preposition 'to' to form the multi-word prepositional phrase 'in deference to'.
English grammatical conventions demand specific complement prepositions for formal abstract nouns.

Key Concept

Fixed Prepositional Phrases and Noun-Preposition Collocations
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 14Question →

During the senate hearing, the constitutional lawyer argued that the executive order issued by the governor was directly subversive _____ the statutory powers reserved exclusively for the legislature.

Which of the following prepositions correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: of

Answer

The correct preposition is 'of'.
In standard formal English, the adjective 'subversive' takes the dependent preposition 'of' when denoting an action, law, or policy that tends to subvert or weaken authority.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target head word preceding the blank space.
The target word is the formal adjective 'subversive'.
Specific adjectives in English mandate fixed dependent prepositions to complete their prepositional phrase complement.
2
Determine the standard dependent preposition required by 'subversive'.
The adjective 'subversive' takes the preposition 'of' in standard usage.
Standard legal and formal English conventions prescribe the construction 'subversive of' (meaning tending to overthrow or destroy).
3
Insert the selected preposition into the sentence to verify grammatical correctness and meaning.
'...was directly subversive of the statutory powers...'
The preposition 'of' correctly forms the prepositional phrase requirement for 'subversive'.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions following Formal Adjectives
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 15Question →

The board assured the newly appointed managing director that his remuneration package would be fully commensurate _____ his qualifications and extensive executive experience. Which preposition correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: with

Answer

The preposition 'with' correctly completes the sentence.
The adjective 'commensurate' idiomatically collocates with the preposition 'with' when denoting proportion or equivalence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the head adjective requiring a dependent preposition in the sentence context.
The target adjective is 'commensurate'.
Certain adjectives in English standard usage strictly govern specific prepositions.
2
Select the correct dependent preposition that collocates with 'commensurate'.
'Commensurate' pairs with 'with'.
The fixed grammatical construction 'commensurate with' means corresponding in size, extent, or degree.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions and Adjective Collocations
Estimated Time:50s
Question 16Question →

Complete the sentence by supplying the appropriate dependent prepositions that correctly complete the prepositional structures.

Fill in the blanks below

Although the defense council argued that the new statutory directive was at variance established judicial precedent, the magistrate ruled that the defendant's conduct was entirely inimical public interest.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The first blank requires 'with' to form the fixed prepositional phrase 'at variance with', and the second blank requires 'to' because the adjective 'inimical' takes the dependent preposition 'to'.
The idiomatic expression 'at variance' requires 'with' when indicating inconsistency or conflict with a law or precedent. Meanwhile, the formal adjective 'inimical' collocates exclusively with 'to' when describing something harmful or opposing a particular outcome or interest.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the dependent preposition required by the idiom 'at variance'
The correct fixed prepositional phrase is 'at variance with', meaning in disagreement or conflict with something.
Standard legal and formal English register strictly mandates 'with' following 'at variance'.
2
Identify the preposition complement required by the adjective 'inimical'
The adjective 'inimical' (meaning harmful or adverse) takes the dependent preposition 'to'.
Adjectives expressing harm, opposition, or hostility such as 'inimical', 'detrimental', or 'prejudicial' govern the preposition 'to'.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions and Fixed Prepositional Phrases
Question 17Question →

During the annual audit, the financial controller observed that the reported expenditure was sharply at variance ______ the approved budgetary allocations. Which preposition correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: with

Answer

The correct preposition is 'with', forming the standard prepositional phrase 'at variance with'.
The preposition 'with' is correct because 'at variance with' is an established English prepositional phrase meaning inconsistent or in conflict with a specified standard or rule.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context to identify the core expression requiring a preposition.
The target structure is the idiomatic phrase 'at variance ______'.
The sentence expresses an inconsistency between expenditure figures and approved budget allocations.
2
Select the obligatory preposition that collocates with 'at variance'.
The standard English fixed collocation is 'at variance with'.
In standard English grammar, 'at variance' strictly takes the preposition 'with' when introducing the point of disagreement or divergence.

Key Concept

Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases (Fixed Collocations)
Question 18Question →

The minister's refusal to testify before the parliamentary panel was considered tantamount _____ treason by opposition members.

Which of the following prepositions correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: to

Answer

The preposition 'to' correctly completes the sentence, making the phrase 'tantamount to treason'.
The adjective 'tantamount' (meaning equivalent in value, significance, or effect) is conventionally followed by the preposition 'to'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the adjective requiring a specific dependent preposition in the sentence.
The word requiring a prepositional complement is 'tantamount'.
Certain adjectives in English mandate specific dependent prepositions to form standard grammatical structures.
2
Determine the correct dependent preposition for 'tantamount'.
The fixed idiom/collocation is 'tantamount to', meaning equivalent in effect or seriousness to something.
Standard grammatical usage requires 'to' following 'tantamount'.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions following Adjectives
Question 19Question →

The accused person appeared completely indifferent _____ the feelings of the victim's family throughout the trial. Which preposition correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: to

Answer

to
The correct answer is 'to' because the adjective 'indifferent' requires the dependent preposition 'to' to form a standard grammatical collocation meaning unconcerned or uninfluenced.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the key adjective governing the preposition in the sentence.
The target adjective is 'indifferent'.
Certain adjectives in English require specific dependent prepositions to complete their meaning.
2
Determine the correct dependent preposition associated with 'indifferent'.
The preposition 'to' correctly pairs with 'indifferent' ('indifferent to').
'Indifferent to' is the fixed idiom meaning unconcerned, uninfluenced, or lacking interest.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions following Adjectives
Estimated Time:45s
Question 20Question →

The new manager congratulated the team members _____ their outstanding performance during the annual audit. Which of the following prepositions correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: on

Answer

The preposition 'on' correctly completes the sentence because the verb 'congratulate' requires 'on' to indicate the achievement being celebrated.
In standard English, the verb 'congratulate' takes the dependent preposition 'on' to introduce the achievement or occasion being celebrated ('congratulate someone on something').

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the main verb requiring a dependent preposition.
The head verb is 'congratulated'.
Dependent prepositions are governed by the specific verb or expression preceding them.
2
Determine the standard prepositional collocation for 'congratulate'.
The correct pattern is 'congratulate someone ON something'.
'On' is the standard preposition that connects 'congratulate' to the cause of congratulation.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions and Verb Collocations
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