Noun + Preposition Dictation: Problems and Solutions

Catch the noun before the preposition: it tells you what relationship the phrase describes. A cause, solution, explanation and alternative each connect to the next detail differently. You may hear more than one link, such as of followed later by on, so keep listening after the first noun group. A following action can have an -ing form, even after to when to is a preposition. Write the full combination as spoken. Replacing the noun with a synonym may make sense, but it will no longer be the same dictation.