Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions or adverb particles. Each question is followed by three suggested answers. Choose the most appropriate one.
1I despair ............... reforming that fellow.
Wrong!
The verb phrase is "despair of" when you have lost hope "of" doing something.
2Never deviate ............... the path of truth.
Wrong!
The verb "deviate" is followed by "from" when something leaves the correct path or standard.
3This plan radically differs ............... the earlier one.
Wrong!
The verb "differ" is followed by "from" when comparing one thing with another.
4I am diffident ............... passing the TOEFL this time.
Wrong!
The adjective "diffident" is followed by "about" when describing a lack of confidence about something.
5I entirely disagree ............... you on this point.
Wrong!
The verb "disagree" is followed by "with" before the person you do not agree with.
6You are a disgrace ............... your whole family.
Wrong!
The noun phrase is "a disgrace to" when someone brings shame on a person or group.
7I wish to dispose ............... my old car.
Wrong!
The phrasal verb is "dispose of" when you get rid "of" something.
8I tried to dissuade him ............... following such a course of action.
Wrong!
The verb "dissuade" is followed by "from" before the action you persuade someone not to do.
9His father is disgusted ............... him for his addiction to gambling.
Wrong!
The adjective "disgusted" is followed by "with" when the feeling is directed at a person.
10Although this is similar to the other one, it is quite distinct ............... it.
Wrong!
The adjective "distinct" is followed by "from" when showing that two things are different.
Answers
- I despair of reforming that fellow.
- Never deviate from the path of truth.
- This plan radically differs from the earlier one.
- I am diffident about passing the TOEFL this time.
- I entirely disagree with you on this point.
- You are a disgrace to your whole family.
- I wish to dispose of my old car.
- I tried to dissuade him from following such a course of action.
- His father is disgusted with him for his addiction to gambling.
- Although this is similar to the other one, it is quite distinct from it.
