Complex Sentences with Clear Endings

Study the questions and tasks

Work through the material below, or start the interactive practice above to complete an attempt. Try the exercises before opening any answer or transcript sections, then use them to review your work.

Practice level

B2. Try this level if you can follow the instructions and understand most of the language; choose an earlier level if you need more support.

Question formats

Matching

How to approach this practice

Read the complete context. Check both the meaning and the grammar, including word forms, collocations and links between sentences.

1. Question 1 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Reviewing project evidence.

   Answer choices

   • of demonstrating a clear benefit.
   • to the claim that costs have fallen.
   • with the approach used last year.

   Items

   • The report falls short
   • The figures lend support
   • The method is consistent
   Check answers and explanations

   1. The report falls short

   of demonstrating a clear benefit.

   2. The figures lend support

   to the claim that costs have fallen.

   3. The method is consistent

   with the approach used last year.

   Fall short of, lend support to and consistent with require distinct complements.

2. Question 2 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Describing a delayed launch.

   Answer choices

   • the final safety check had failed.
   • to rule out a measurement error.
   • on approval by the inspection team.

   Items

   • The launch was postponed because
   • The purpose of repeating the check was
   • The revised date remained conditional
   Check answers and explanations

   1. The launch was postponed because

   the final safety check had failed.

   2. The purpose of repeating the check was

   to rule out a measurement error.

   3. The revised date remained conditional

   on approval by the inspection team.

   Because requires a finite reason clause; the purpose was takes an infinitive identifying the aim; conditional on introduces a requirement.

3. Question 3 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Comparing proposals.

   Answer choices

   • for a site with limited access.
   • to the costly full replacement.
   • from the first in its staffing needs.

   Items

   • The first plan is preferable
   • The second differs
   • The third is unsuitable
   Check answers and explanations

   1. The first plan is preferable

   to the costly full replacement.

   2. The second differs

   from the first in its staffing needs.

   3. The third is unsuitable

   for a site with limited access.

   Preferable to, differ from and unsuitable for select their complements.

4. Question 4 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Reporting staff concerns.

   Answer choices

   • to being monitored without explanation.
   • for failing to consult staff.
   • of ignoring the agreed procedure.

   Items

   • The team objected
   • The manager apologised
   • The board accused the supplier
   Check answers and explanations

   1. The team objected

   to being monitored without explanation.

   2. The manager apologised

   for failing to consult staff.

   3. The board accused the supplier

   of ignoring the agreed procedure.

   Object to, apologise for and accuse of require separate prepositions.

5. Question 5 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Managing uncertainty.

   Answer choices

   • out further delays.
   • on how quickly parts arrive.
   • to change without notice.

   Items

   • We cannot rule
   • The timetable is subject
   • The result depends
   Check answers and explanations

   1. We cannot rule

   out further delays.

   2. The timetable is subject

   to change without notice.

   3. The result depends

   on how quickly parts arrive.

   Rule out, subject to and depend on select different particles or prepositions.

6. Question 6 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Explaining a compromise.

   Answer choices

   • between safety and affordability.
   • for an independent annual review.
   • of residents' access needs.

   Items

   • The plan strikes a balance
   • The agreement makes provision
   • The decision takes account
   Check answers and explanations

   1. The plan strikes a balance

   between safety and affordability.

   2. The agreement makes provision

   for an independent annual review.

   3. The decision takes account

   of residents' access needs.

   Balance between, provision for and account of are distinct patterns.

7. Question 7 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Planning the next stage.

   Answer choices

   • to issue a safety certificate.
   • replaced by a qualified electrician.
   • using the room until the work was complete.

   Items

   • We had the old wiring
   • We asked the electrician
   • We avoided
   Check answers and explanations

   1. We had the old wiring

   replaced by a qualified electrician.

   2. We asked the electrician

   to issue a safety certificate.

   3. We avoided

   using the room until the work was complete.

   Causative have, ask someone to and avoid doing require different forms.

8. Question 8 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Making an argument carefully.

   Answer choices

   • in repeating a failed approach.
   • to commit without further evidence.
   • considering before a decision is made.

   Items

   • There is little point
   • The alternative is worth
   • We are reluctant
   Check answers and explanations

   1. There is little point

   in repeating a failed approach.

   2. The alternative is worth

   considering before a decision is made.

   3. We are reluctant

   to commit without further evidence.

   Point in, worth doing and reluctant to have different complement patterns.

What to review next

Explain why each answer fits the meaning and structure. Record useful phrases and write a new example using each pattern you found difficult.

A focused practice result shows how you did on these tasks. Use several activities across skills to decide what to study next; one practice score does not certify an overall CEFR level.