Mixed Prepositional Phrases - Advanced Exercises
B2-C1 Level
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The challenge is choosing the phrase that matches the logic of the sentence. With regard to introduces a topic, by means of gives a method, and on the grounds that gives an official reason. In light of means considering evidence, while in the event of sets a condition. As a matter of fact adds a surprising fact, in other words restates an idea, and on the whole gives an overall judgement. Advanced accuracy comes from matching tone, grammar pattern, and sentence purpose together.
Quick Rule
advanced prepositional or discourse phrase + noun phrase or clause, chosen by function: topic, method, purpose, reason, evidence, condition, restatement, fact, contrast, or overall judgement
- 1.With regard to your enquiry, we can offer two options.
- 2.The data was not collected by means of interviews.
- 3.The application was rejected on the grounds that it was incomplete.
- 4.In light of your grades, the university awarded a scholarship.
- 5.In other words, the plan is cheaper but slower.
- 6.On the whole, the team handled the crisis well.
All 20 questions
Complete each sentence by typing the correct prepositional phrase from the three options shown in parentheses. Some phrases are formal or academic.
_____ your recent enquiry, we are pleased to offer you a place on the course. (With regard to / In light of / On the grounds that)
The data was collected _____ anonymous online surveys. (in the event of / in terms of / by means of)
He worked overtime every night _____ his family, even though he was exhausted. (in the event of / for the sake of / on the grounds that)
The application was rejected _____ the candidate lacked sufficient qualifications. (on the grounds that / with regard to / by means of)
The report is encouraging _____ profitability, but customer satisfaction needs improvement. (in the event of / in light of / in terms of)
_____ the recent safety incidents, the factory will close for inspections next week. (As a matter of fact / In light of / In other words)
_____ a fire, please use the emergency exits and do not use the lifts. (In the event of / In terms of / In spite of)
She passed all her exams with top marks. _____, she has already been offered a job. (As a matter of fact / In other words / For the sake of)
The economy has improved. _____, unemployment has fallen by 3% this year. (For the sake of / On the grounds that / In other words)
She travels abroad _____ — perhaps three or four times a year. (at the moment / for the time being / from time to time)
The school cancelled sports day _____ the risk of thunderstorms. (in place of / owing to / on behalf of)
They offered me a temporary role _____ the manager who was on maternity leave. (in charge of / in place of / in spite of)
The protesters were removed _____ they had no permit to demonstrate. (on the grounds that / in light of / in terms of)
I don't see him often — only _____ at social events. (from time to time / at the moment / for the time being)
The company donated a million pounds _____ children's education in the region. (by means of / for the sake of / with regard to)
I've watched her closely all week and _____, she seems happy, but I suspect she's hiding something. (As a rule / At once / On the whole)
_____ your excellent grades, the university has awarded you a scholarship. (In light of / In the event of / In place of)
Mistakes happen. _____, she was handling a very difficult situation when the error occurred. (In vain / In fact / In time)
The security system works _____ facial recognition technology. (in terms of / in the event of / by means of)
_____ being the youngest player on the team, she scored the winning goal. (Instead of / In spite of / In addition to)
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