Complete the 12 sentences below. Choose the best answer for each one.
1The witness's revised statement was ............... the forensic evidence presented in court.
Wrong!
The fixed phrase "at variance with" means in conflict with evidence, facts, or another statement.
2............... local sensitivities, the museum postponed the exhibition of the disputed artefacts.
Wrong!
The fixed phrase "In deference to" means out of respect for someone's wishes, feelings, or concerns.
3The company offered additional leave ............... a cash bonus this year.
Wrong!
The fixed phrase "in lieu of" means instead of something else.
4She gained access to the archives ............... sheer persistence and carefully worded requests.
Wrong!
The fixed phrase "by dint of" means by means of effort, persistence, or a particular quality.
5The proposal collapsed ............... a single credible estimate of the long-term costs.
Wrong!
The fixed phrase "for want of" means because something necessary is lacking.
6The committee commissioned a feasibility study ............... overhauling the admissions system.
Wrong!
The fixed phrase "with a view to" means with the intention or purpose of doing something.
7The conference was held ............... the United Nations cultural agency.
Wrong!
The fixed phrase "under the auspices of" means with the support or authority of an organization.
8Several investors committed funds ............... the prototype alone.
Wrong!
The fixed phrase "on the strength of" means because of the evidence or support provided by something.
9The department prioritised short-term savings ............... staff morale and service quality.
Wrong!
The fixed phrase "to the detriment of" means in a way that harms someone or something.
10The renovated façade is ............... the building's nineteenth-century character.
Wrong!
The fixed phrase "in keeping with" means consistent with or suitable for something.
11The minister's private assurances were ............... his public refusal to negotiate.
Wrong!
The fixed phrase "at odds with" means in conflict or disagreement with something.
12Final approval is ............... the auditors' confirmation that the figures are accurate.
Wrong!
The phrase "contingent on" means dependent on something else happening or being true.
Exercise complete
0 out of 12
correct answers
Answers
- The witness’s revised statement was at variance with the forensic evidence presented in court.
- In deference to local sensitivities, the museum postponed the exhibition of the disputed artefacts.
- The company offered additional leave in lieu of a cash bonus this year.
- She gained access to the archives by dint of sheer persistence and carefully worded requests.
- The proposal collapsed for want of a single credible estimate of the long-term costs.
- The committee commissioned a feasibility study with a view to overhauling the admissions system.
- The conference was held under the auspices of the United Nations cultural agency.
- Several investors committed funds on the strength of the prototype alone.
- The department prioritised short-term savings to the detriment of staff morale and service quality.
- The renovated façade is in keeping with the building’s nineteenth-century character.
- The minister’s private assurances were at odds with his public refusal to negotiate.
- Final approval is contingent on the auditors’ confirmation that the figures are accurate.