Formal and Academic Prepositional Phrases Exercises
B2-C1 Level
English Exercises is teacher-led by Charlie. About the teacher · How content is made
The phrase after the gap often tells you the function. With regard to introduces the topic of a message. In terms of limits discussion to a specific measure or perspective. By means of introduces the method used, while for the sake of gives a purpose or benefit. On the grounds that introduces an official reason followed by a clause. In light of means considering evidence, and in the event of means if a particular situation occurs. These choices depend on function more than on position in the sentence.
Quick Rule
formal phrase + noun phrase, or formal phrase + clause, to introduce topic, perspective, method, purpose, evidence, condition, or official reason
- 1.With regard to your application, we need one more document.
- 2.The results are not strong in terms of reliability.
- 3.The survey was conducted by means of telephone interviews.
- 4.We changed the schedule for the sake of clarity.
- 5.In the event of a fire, do not use the lifts.
- 6.The request was refused on the grounds that it was incomplete.
All 20 questions
Complete each sentence by typing the correct formal or academic prepositional phrase from the three options shown in parentheses. These phrases are used in formal writing, reports, and professional contexts.
_____ the proposed budget changes, I would like to schedule a meeting to discuss the impact. (By means of / With regard to / In the event of)
_____ a power failure, emergency lighting will activate automatically. (In terms of / In the event of / For the sake of)
The new software improves efficiency _____ customer response times. (with regard to / by means of / in terms of)
The survey was conducted _____ telephone interviews with 1,000 participants. (for the sake of / in terms of / by means of)
We must resolve this matter quickly _____ maintaining a good relationship with the client. (by means of / for the sake of / on the grounds that)
The request was denied _____ there was insufficient evidence to proceed. (with regard to / for the sake of / on the grounds that)
_____ the recent audit findings, we recommend updating the security protocols. (In light of / In terms of / By means of)
The company has performed well _____ revenue growth, achieving a 15% increase. (on the grounds that / by means of / in terms of)
_____ an emergency evacuation, please follow the designated routes. (For the sake of / With regard to / In the event of)
The payment can be made _____ bank transfer or cheque. (in terms of / by means of / in the event of)
_____ your application for the marketing position, we are pleased to invite you for an interview. (In light of / By means of / With regard to)
They decided to close the factory _____ the unsustainable financial losses. (on the grounds that / in terms of / in light of)
The company acted _____ transparency and sent the full report to all shareholders. (by means of / in terms of / for the sake of)
The new policy was introduced _____ it would reduce costs by at least 20%. (for the sake of / on the grounds that / in light of)
_____ sustainability, the company has outperformed its competitors significantly. (With regard to / In the event of / On the grounds that)
_____ your complaint about the service received on 15th March, we sincerely apologise. (By means of / For the sake of / With regard to)
They communicated the changes _____ a company-wide email and a town hall meeting. (in terms of / by means of / on the grounds that)
_____ these results, we believe the project should continue with additional funding. (On the grounds that / In light of / By means of)
All changes were made _____ accuracy, not to alter the author's meaning. (in terms of / for the sake of / in the event of)
The application was rejected _____ the applicant had failed to meet the minimum age requirement. (in light of / for the sake of / on the grounds that)
Continue Practising
Continue practising with these related exercises
Time Phrases
EasyPractise in time, on time, at once, for the time being, and more
20 questions
Time Phrases - Advanced
MediumDistinguish in due course, at times, in the end, and long-term time phrases
20 questions
Manner & Purpose
EasyPractise by accident, on purpose, in vain, by heart, and at random
20 questions
-ed vs -ing Adjectives
EasyPractise bored/boring, interested/interesting, and other feeling adjective pairs
60 questions
Conditionals
MediumMaster all types of conditional sentences (zero to third)
330 questions
Present Perfect
MediumLearn to talk about experiences and unfinished time
240 questions