Linking and Addition Prepositional Phrases Exercises
B1-B2 Level
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Use in spite of before a noun or gerund to show contrast: "In spite of the rain, we went out." Use instead of when one thing replaces another, and in addition to when one thing is added to another. According to introduces a source of information, while due to, owing to, and as a result of introduce reasons or causes. Apart from can mean "except for" or "in addition to", so the sentence must guide your choice. A useful test is to paraphrase the phrase as although, not this but that, plus, source, or because.
Quick Rule
linking phrase + noun or gerund, or clause + linking phrase + noun or gerund, to show contrast, replacement, addition, source, exception, or cause
- 1.In spite of the poor reviews, the film was enjoyable.
- 2.She did not drink wine; she chose water instead of wine.
- 3.According to the report, sales rose in May.
- 4.The match was cancelled due to heavy rain.
- 5.In addition to her salary, she receives travel costs.
- 6.Apart from cooking, he enjoys gardening.
All 20 questions
Complete each sentence by typing the correct linking or addition phrase from the three options shown in parentheses.
_____ the terrible reviews, the film was actually quite enjoyable. (Instead of / Due to / In spite of)
She drank water _____ wine because she was driving home. (in spite of / instead of / in addition to)
_____ the weather forecast, it's going to snow this weekend. (Due to / According to / Apart from)
The match was cancelled _____ heavy rain. (instead of / according to / due to)
_____ English, he also studies French and German at university. (In spite of / Apart from / Instead of)
_____ the heavy traffic, we managed to arrive before the show started. (Due to / In spite of / Instead of)
_____ the latest research, regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease by 30%. (Apart from / According to / In addition to)
_____ salary, the job offers health insurance, a pension, and 25 days' holiday. (As a result of / In addition to / Instead of)
She stayed at home _____ going to the party. She wasn't feeling well. (in spite of / instead of / according to)
_____ her young age, she has already published two novels. (Due to / Instead of / In spite of)
The flight was delayed for four hours _____ a technical fault. (according to / owing to / apart from)
_____ cooking, what do you enjoy doing at weekends? (Due to / Apart from / As a result of)
Several roads were closed _____ the flooding in the area. (in spite of / instead of / as a result of)
We took the train _____ driving because parking in the city centre is impossible. (in addition to / in spite of / instead of)
_____ the manager, employee satisfaction has improved by 20% this year. (According to / In spite of / Instead of)
_____ being exhausted, the runners completed the marathon with smiles on their faces. (Due to / Instead of / In spite of)
She was given a bonus _____ her excellent performance this quarter. (instead of / apart from / as a result of)
_____ working full-time, she volunteers at the local hospital every Saturday. (Apart from / Due to / Instead of)
They used email _____ letters to communicate with their customers. It's much faster. (in spite of / in addition to / instead of)
_____ the witness, the suspect left the building at approximately 9 PM. (In addition to / According to / In spite of)
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