Advanced verb-preposition collocations. 45 questions on formal and academic dependent prepositions, multi-directional meaning changes, and verb-preposition errors in formal texts.
What this test covers
- Formal and Academic Verb-Preposition Patterns: derive, conform, attribute, allude
- Meaning-Changing Prepositions with the Same Verb Base
- Verb-Preposition Errors in Formal Academic Passages
Answer the 45 questions below. Each answer is checked straight away, with an explanation. Press Submit at the end to get your score and save it to your dashboard. Answers are not kept if you leave before submitting.
All 45 questions with answers
Pick an answer for each question to see if you are right, with the explanation. Submit when you are done; you can submit before answering them all.
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Q1The company's revenue ___ from its diverse portfolio of international investments.
Answer: D. derives
'Derive from' is the correct collocation used to identify the source or origin of something abstract, such as revenue, pleasure, or a conclusion. While 'deviate from' and 'departs from' are grammatically valid, they both imply a movement away from a norm, path, or standard, which does not fit the context of sourcing income. 'Abstain from' means to deliberately avoid an action (like voting), which is irrelevant to the context of corporate revenue.
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Q2The experimental data ___ significantly from the initial predictions made by the research team.
Answer: B. deviates
'Deviate from' is the precise technical term used in scientific and statistical contexts to describe a divergence from a standard, expected value, or hypothesis. 'Depart from' is more commonly used for physical paths or established procedures rather than statistical variance. 'Derive' would suggest the data was sourced from the predictions, which is logically incorrect here. 'Abstain' requires a person making a choice to avoid an action.
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Q3The explorer decided to ___ from the established path to explore the uncharted valley.
Answer: D. depart
To 'depart from' a path is a standard collocation meaning to physically leave a set route or to change a traditional method. 'Emerge from' makes no sense for beginning a journey into a valley. 'Abstain' (avoiding an action) and 'derive' (originating from) do not fit the context of physical movement.
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Q4Due to a conflict of interest, the lead investigator chose to ___ from the final vote.
Answer: C. abstain
The verb 'abstain' is the formal term used in legal and committee procedures to describe declining to exercise a right, such as voting. It is paired with the preposition 'from' to identify the specific action avoided. 'Deviate', 'derive', and 'depart' do not carry the necessary meaning of voluntary non-participation in a formal process.
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Q5All submitted research papers must ___ to the formatting guidelines provided in the style manual.
Answer: C. conform
'Conform to' is the standard collocation for meeting or following established standards, rules, or patterns. 'Attribute to' implies causation (linking an effect to a cause); 'refer to' denotes a direct mention or consultation of a source; 'subscribe to' suggests agreement with a philosophy or theory. Only 'conform' captures the mandatory alignment with rigid specifications.
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Q6Employees are required to ___ to the safety regulations established by the health and safety board.
Answer: B. adhere
In formal and professional contexts, 'adhere to' is the preferred collocation for strictly following laws, regulations, or policies. While 'subscribe to' is used for expressing belief in an idea and 'refer to' is used for mentions, 'adhere to' conveys the necessary sense of compliance and binding commitment required in a regulatory environment. 'Attribute to' is used for causality and does not fit here.
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Q7Many modern economists ___ to the belief that fiscal stimulus can effectively mitigate recessionary pressures.
Answer: C. subscribe
'Subscribe to' is a collocation meaning to support, hold, or agree with a particular opinion, belief, or theory. Unlike 'adhere to', which emphasizes strict compliance with a rule, 'subscribe to' emphasizes conceptual or intellectual alignment. 'Attribute to' would require a direct object (attributing X to Y), and 'conform to' implies a change in behavior to match a group norm.
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Q8The unexpected decline in sales was ___ to the recent shift in consumer preferences.
Answer: D. attributed
The past participle 'attributed' followed by 'to' is used in passive constructions to identify a cause-and-effect relationship. Here, the decline (effect) is linked to the shift in preferences (cause). 'Subscribed', 'adhered', and 'conformed' are intransitive in this sense (they describe the subject's behavior) and cannot be used to assign causality to the subject.
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Q9The lecturer briefly ___ to the potential limitations of the study without going into detail.
Answer: B. alluded
'Allude to' means to make an indirect or passing reference to a subject. This fits the context of 'briefly' and 'without going into detail'. 'Accounted to limitations' is not standard English. 'Amounted to' refers to a cumulative effect or equivalence, and 'built' would require the preposition 'on' to mean developing from a foundation.
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Q10The final report explicitly ___ to the three key studies conducted by the independent auditors.
Answer: C. referred
'Refer to' is used for direct, explicit citations or mentions of specific documents or entities. The adverb 'explicitly' confirms that the reference was direct, making 'alluded to' (which implies indirectness or hints) semantically inappropriate. 'Amounted to' refers to a total or result, and 'built on' refers to using a foundation for further work.
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Q11The proposed budget cuts ___ to a significant reduction in the department's operational capacity.
Answer: B. amount
The phrasal verb 'amount to' is used here to indicate that an action or situation is equivalent to a certain result or total. It conveys the idea of an ultimate consequence. 'Refer' and 'allude' are used for mentions, while 'build on' suggests utilizing a foundation, none of which fit the meaning of 'resulting in' or 'being equivalent to' a reduction.
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Q12This new methodology seeks to ___ on the foundational work established by previous scholars.
Answer: A. build
In academic discourse, 'build on' is the standard collocation for using prior research or theories as a basis for further development. The preposition 'on' distinguishes this from 'build up' (increase). 'Refer', 'amount', and 'allude' would all require the preposition 'to' and do not convey the concept of constructive development.
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Q13The conference will ___ on the integration of artificial intelligence in contemporary healthcare systems.
Answer: D. focus
The verb 'focus' requires the preposition 'on' to denote the primary subject of attention or the main theme. 'Elaborate' also takes 'on' but implies providing more detail about a specific point already mentioned, rather than defining the overall subject of a conference. 'Derive' and 'draw' require 'from' in these contexts to indicate sources.
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Q14The authors ___ on empirical data collected over a five-year period to support their conclusions.
Answer: B. draw
The phrasal verb 'draw on' (or 'draw upon') means to utilize a resource, such as information, experience, or data, for a specific purpose. 'Speculate on empirical data to support conclusions' is contradictory — speculation and empirical support are opposites. 'Derive' would require 'from', and 'elaborate on' would mean providing more details about the data rather than using it as evidence.
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Q15Could you please ___ on the specific mechanisms that led to these unexpected results?
Answer: D. elaborate
'Elaborate on' is a formal request for further detail or expansion regarding a specific topic. 'Rely on the specific mechanisms' doesn't fit the context of requesting explanation. 'Draw' and 'derive' are semantically incompatible here as they relate to sourcing or extracting rather than explaining.
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Q16The board members finally agreed ___ the chairperson regarding the long-term strategic plan.
Answer: B. with
When 'agree' is followed by a person (the chairperson), the correct preposition is 'with'. This indicates a shared opinion or consensus between parties. 'Agree on' is used for a topic or item of consensus (e.g., agreeing on a plan), and 'agree to' is used for accepting a proposal or set of terms.
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Q17After hours of deliberation, the committee agreed ___ the core objectives of the initiative.
Answer: B. on
'Agree on' is the correct collocation when referring to a specific topic, plan, or matter where a consensus has been reached between parties. 'Agree with' refers to people or shared opinions; 'agree to' refers to accepting a proposal or contract. Since 'core objectives' is the subject of the consensus, 'on' is the correct choice.
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Q18The stakeholders eventually agreed ___ the new terms and conditions proposed by the legal team.
Answer: C. to
The collocation 'agree to' is used when consenting to a formal proposal, contract, or set of terms. While 'agree on' could refer to the collective process of deciding the terms, 'agree to' signifies the formal acceptance and legal or procedural commitment to those terms.
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Q19The advocate argued ___ the implementation of stricter environmental regulations.
Answer: A. for
'Argue for' means to speak or write in support of a specific cause, policy, or action. Given the subject is an 'advocate' (someone who supports a cause), 'for' is the logically consistent choice. 'Argue about' implies a general dispute, while 'argue against' indicates opposition.
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Q20Several experts argued ___ the proposed legislation, citing concerns about its economic viability.
Answer: C. against
'Argue against' is the standard collocation for expressing formal opposition to a proposal based on reasoning or evidence. 'Argue with' implies a personal disagreement with an individual, and 'argue for' would contradict the context of 'citing concerns'.
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Q21It is difficult to distinguish ___ the subtle nuances of the original text and the translated version.
Answer: B. between
The verb 'distinguish' takes the preposition 'between' when comparing two or more specific entities to identify their differences. 'Distinguish from' is used when separating one thing from a larger background or identifying one thing as being different from another specific thing (e.g., 'distinguishing fact from fiction'). Since the nuances of two distinct texts are being compared, 'between' is required.
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Q22We must distinguish fact ___ fiction when analyzing the credibility of the report.
Answer: D. from
'Distinguish... from...' is used when the focus is on separating or isolating one element (fact) from another (fiction) to reveal its true nature. While 'between' can be used for comparing two things, 'from' is the preferred academic collocation for the act of separation or isolation of truth from falsehood. 'For' and 'against' are not used in this construction.
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Q23The jury panel consists ___ five experts in international law and two independent observers.
Answer: C. of
'Consist of' is used to list the physical components, members, or parts that make up a whole. This must be distinguished from 'consist in', which is used for abstract definitions of an essence or quality (e.g., 'Happiness consists in appreciation'). 'About', 'in', and 'with' are not used for describing the membership of a panel.
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Q24The government should not interfere ___ the private business dealings of citizens.
Answer: D. in
'Interfere in' is used when an entity meddles or intrudes into a situation or the affairs of others where they have no right to be involved. This is a common collocation in political and social discourse. 'Interfere with' is used more for physical disruption or the obstruction of a technical process.
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Q25Unauthorized software updates may interfere ___ the stability of the operating system.
Answer: B. with
'Interfere with' is the correct collocation when describing an action that hinders, obstructs, or disrupts the proper functioning of a process or system. While 'interfere in' refers to meddling in human affairs or business, 'interfere with' emphasizes the negative impact on technical performance or stability.
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Q26The analyst did not comment ___ the recent fluctuations in the stock market during the briefing.
Answer: B. on
The verb 'comment' requires the preposition 'on' to introduce the topic being discussed. 'Comment about' is common in informal speech but is generally avoided in high-register formal and academic writing. 'In', 'for', and 'at' are not standard collocations for this verb when introducing a subject.
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Q27Residents will benefit ___ the new infrastructure project by experiencing reduced commute times.
Answer: A. from
'Benefit from' is the required collocation when 'benefit' is used as an intransitive verb (a verb that does not take a direct object in this context) to describe receiving an advantage. While 'benefit' can be used transitively (e.g., 'the project will benefit residents'), the recipient's experience must be introduced by 'from'.
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Q28The two models differ ___ respect of their underlying assumptions and predictive accuracy.
Answer: B. in
The phrase 'in respect of' is a formal prepositional complex meaning 'as regards' or 'concerning'. The verb 'differ' here identifies the specific dimension of the difference. 'Differ from' would compare the models directly (e.g., 'A differs from B'), but 'in' is necessary to introduce the criteria for that difference.
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Q29Organizations must comply ___ all regulatory standards to avoid potential legal penalties.
Answer: A. with
'Comply' is strictly paired with the preposition 'with'. It is a formal verb used to denote obedience to a request, rule, or law. It is frequently confused with 'adhere to' or 'abide by', but 'comply with' is the only grammatically acceptable pairing for this verb.
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Q30Choose the grammatically correct version: The report consists in detailed statistical analysis and qualitative interviews.
Answer: B. The report consists of detailed statistical analysis and qualitative interviews.
'Consist of' is used to list the constituent parts or sections of a whole. 'Consist in' is reserved for abstract definitions of essence (e.g., 'Success consists in effort'). 'Comprises of' is considered incorrect in standard formal English ('comprises' should be used transitively). 'Composed by' refers to the creator, whereas 'composed of' refers to the parts.
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Q31Choose the grammatically correct version: The senator argued with the new tax bill during the session.
Answer: A. The senator argued against the new tax bill during the session.
'Argue against' is the correct collocation for opposing a bill. 'Argue with' is used for people, not inanimate objects like bills. 'Argue for to' and 'argue about of' are ungrammatical double-preposition constructions.
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Q32Choose the grammatically correct version: The committee members could not agree at the new proposal.
Answer: A. The committee members could not agree to the new proposal.
'Agree to' is the correct collocation for accepting or consenting to a formal proposal. 'Agree on' is also valid for topics of consensus, but 'agree on of' is ungrammatical. 'Agree with to' is a redundant construction. 'Agree at' is not an idiomatic English collocation.
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Q33Choose the grammatically correct version: The results deviate at the initial hypothesis, confirming the drug's efficacy.
Answer: C. The results deviate from the initial hypothesis, confirming the drug's efficacy.
The verb 'deviate' requires the preposition 'from' to indicate a departure from a baseline, norm, or hypothesis. 'Deviate at', 'diverge at', and 'differ at' are non-idiomatic in this context, as 'at' typically refers to a specific point in time or location rather than a comparative baseline.
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Q34Choose the grammatically correct version: We must learn to distinguish from the two primary schools of thought.
Answer: A. We must learn to distinguish between the two primary schools of thought.
'Distinguish between' is used when identifying differences when comparing two or more specific items. 'Distinguish from' requires a direct object (e.g., 'distinguish A from B'). 'Differentiate among' is typically used for more than two items, but even then 'between' is common. 'Distinguish from to' is ungrammatical.
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Q35Choose the grammatically correct version: The new manager tends to interfere about the team's daily operations unnecessarily.
Answer: B. The new manager tends to interfere in the team's daily operations unnecessarily.
'Interfere in' is the standard collocation for intrusive meddling in affairs, business, or operations. 'Interfere with' (without 'to') would be used to describe physical obstruction or functional disruption. 'Interfere about' and 'meddle about' are informal and non-standard. 'Interfere with to' is ungrammatical.
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Q36Choose the grammatically correct version: The author alludes about the historical context of the war.
Answer: C. The author alludes to the historical context of the war.
The verb 'allude' is intrinsically linked to the preposition 'to'. Using 'alludes about' is a common error. Similarly, 'refer' takes 'to', making 'refers on' incorrect. The noun form 'allusion' also takes 'to' (e.g., 'an allusion to the past'), making 'allusion on' incorrect.
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Q37Choose the grammatically correct version: All participants must adhere with the ethical guidelines provided.
Answer: A. All participants must adhere to the ethical guidelines provided.
'Adhere' always collocates with 'to'. Common errors include 'adhere with' (likely confused with 'comply with'), 'comply to' (confused with 'adhere to'), and 'abide with' (the correct form is 'abide by'). Mastering these specific verb-preposition pairings is a key requirement for high-level proficiency.
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Q38Choose the grammatically correct version: The project's success consists by dedication and hard work.
Answer: C. The project's success consists in dedication and hard work.
'Consists in' is used to identify the essential quality or defining nature of an abstract concept, such as success or virtue. 'Consists of' would be used for a list of physical components. 'Consists by' and 'based by' (which should be 'based on') are non-idiomatic and grammatically incorrect.
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Q39Choose the grammatically correct version: The consultant was asked to elaborate about the proposed strategy.
Answer: A. The consultant was asked to elaborate on the proposed strategy.
In formal academic and professional English, the verb 'elaborate' is followed by 'on'. While 'about' is often used in informal speech, it is not standard in a high-register context. 'Expand' also takes 'on' or 'upon', making 'expand at' incorrect. 'Provide more detail for' is grammatical but less precise than the formal verb 'elaborate'.
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Q40Choose the grammatically correct version: His speech refers about the importance of education.
Answer: B. His speech refers to the importance of education.
The verb 'refer' must be followed by 'to'. 'Mention' is a transitive verb and should not be followed by 'to' (e.g., 'he mentions the importance'). 'Allude' likewise requires 'to', not 'on'. 'Refers about' is an incorrect collocation often found in non-native speech.
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Q41Choose the grammatically correct version: We must learn to draw at existing literature to support our argument.
Answer: A. We must learn to draw on existing literature to support our argument.
To 'draw on' (or 'draw upon') means to use information, skills, or experience as a resource. 'Draw from' is also acceptable, but 'draw from to' is ungrammatical. 'Draw at' and 'rely at' are not standard English collocations; 'rely' requires 'on'.
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Q42Choose the grammatically correct version: The final figures amount for a significant loss for the firm.
Answer: B. The final figures amount to a significant loss for the firm.
The phrasal verb 'amount to' means to be equivalent to or to reach a total. 'Amount for' is an incorrect construction (likely confused with 'account for'). 'Total' is typically used as a transitive verb and does not require 'to' (e.g., 'the figures total $100'). 'Result' takes 'in', not 'at'.
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Q43Choose the grammatically correct version: The students decided to abstain by the debate.
Answer: C. The students decided to abstain from the debate.
'Abstain' is exclusively followed by 'from' when referring to the action or event one chooses to avoid. 'Refrain' also requires 'from'. 'Abstain by' and 'withdraw at' are non-idiomatic; one 'withdraws from' a debate or contest.
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Q44Choose the grammatically correct version: The software update complies by the latest security protocols.
Answer: C. The software update complies with the latest security protocols.
'Comply' is always followed by 'with' to indicate adherence to rules or standards. 'Adhere' requires 'to', and 'follow' is a transitive verb that should not be followed by 'to' in this context (e.g., 'it follows the protocols'). 'Complies by' is a frequent prepositional error.
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Q45Choose the grammatically correct version: The manager attributed the success to the team, but the team attributed the success for the manager.
Answer: C. The manager attributed the success to the team, but the team attributed the success to the manager.
The verb 'attribute' consistently requires the preposition 'to' to link an effect to its cause or to give credit. This remains true in parallel structures. Using 'for' with 'attribute', 'credit', or 'ascribe' in this context is ungrammatical. Consistency in using dependent prepositions across parallel structures is a hallmark of high-level proficiency.
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