Dependent Prepositions in Discussion

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

Fill in the blank (text)

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 · Fill in the blank (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use one word: We need to account ___ the difference between the estimates.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   for

   Account for means explain the difference.

2. Question 2 · Fill in the blank (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use one word: Her approach differs ___ mine in one important respect.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   from

   Differ from introduces the contrasting approach.

3. Question 3 · Fill in the blank (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use one word: The success of the plan depends ___ reliable data.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   on / upon

   Depend on or upon identifies the requirement.

4. Question 4 · Fill in the blank (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use one word: The delay was due ___ circumstances beyond our control.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   to

   Due to introduces the cause.

5. Question 5 · Fill in the blank (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use one word: Several staff objected ___ working on a public holiday.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   to

   Object to takes an ing form.

6. Question 6 · Fill in the blank (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use one word: The findings are consistent ___ the earlier study.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   with

   Consistent with means compatible with other evidence.

7. Question 7 · Fill in the blank (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use one word: The group consists ___ volunteers from six towns.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   of

   Consist of lists the components of a group.

8. Question 8 · Fill in the blank (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use one word: We must comply ___ the updated safety rules.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   with

   Comply with means follow a requirement.

9. Question 9 · Fill in the blank (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use one word: She accused the supplier ___ ignoring the contract.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   of

   Accuse someone of takes an ing form.

10. Question 10 · Fill in the blank (text)

    Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

    Use one word: The scheme aims ___ reducing delays. Use the preposition before the ing form.

    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    at

    Aim at takes an ing form; aim to takes a base verb.

11. Question 11 · Fill in the blank (text)

    Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

    Use one word: The committee agreed ___ principle, but not on the details.

    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    in

    In principle means agreement with the general idea.

12. Question 12 · Fill in the blank (text)

    Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

    Use one word: We need to distinguish fact ___ opinion.

    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    from

    Distinguish one thing from another separates the categories.

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.