WREN & MARTIN's English grammar-Grammar Challenge: Fixed Phrases & Prepositions
Grammar Challenge: Fixed Phrases & Prepositions
Test your knowledge of these specific English collocations. Choose the most appropriate word or preposition to complete each sentence.
Section A: Multiple Choice Questions
Q1. The guest speaker ensured that his attire was _________ the formal nature of the award ceremony.
(a) appropriate for
(b) appropriate with
(c) appropriate to
(d) appropriate at
Q2. On the advice of his doctor, the patient decided to _________ for the next thirty days to improve his digestion.
(a) abstain with animal food
(b) abstain from animal food
(c) abstain of animal food
(d) abstain against animal food
Q3. Despite being a veterinarian, he admitted to having a strange _________ since childhood.
(a) antipathy against dogs
(b) antipathy for dogs
(c) antipathy to dogs
(d) antipathy with dogs
Q4. The comedian was so brilliant that the entire audience was _________ before the first act was over.
(a) convulsed by laughter
(b) convulsed in laughter
(c) convulsed with laughter
(d) convulsed from laughter
Q5. The stock market's sudden recovery was _________, leaving many investors surprised.
(a) contrary to expectation
(b) contrary of expectation
(c) contrary with expectation
(d) contrary from expectation
Q6. When choosing a gift, it is always best to pick something that is _________.
(a) appropriate for the occasion
(b) appropriate to the occasion
(c) appropriate with the occasion
(d) appropriate of the occasion
Q7. Monks in certain traditions strictly _________ as part of their spiritual practice.
(a) abstain from animal food
(b) abstain of animal food
(c) abstain by animal food
(d) abstain with animal food
Q8. Her _________ was so strong that she would cross the street whenever she saw one approaching.
(a) antipathy to dogs
(b) antipathy against dogs
(c) antipathy with dogs
(d) antipathy for dogs
Q9. The children were _________ when they saw the puppy trying to chase its own tail.
(a) convulsed by laughter
(b) convulsed with laughter
(c) convulsed in laughter
(d) convulsed at laughter
Q10. The results of the experiment were _________, leading to a complete revision of the original theory.
(a) contrary to expectation
(b) contrary with expectation
(c) contrary of expectation
(d) contrary by expectation
✅ Answer Key & Explanations
| Q.No | Correct Answer | Grammar Note |
| 1 | (c) appropriate to | While "for" is common in casual speech, appropriate to is the formal collocation for matching an occasion. |
| 2 | (b) abstain from | The verb abstain is always followed by from. |
| 3 | (c) antipathy to | Antipathy (a strong dislike) is traditionally followed by to when referring to the object of dislike. |
| 4 | (c) convulsed with | To be convulsed with (laughter, rage, or pain) is the standard idiomatic expression. |
| 5 | (a) contrary to | Contrary is always paired with to when expressing opposition. |
| 6 | (b) appropriate to | (Same as Q1) Focuses on the suitability relative to a specific event. |
| 7 | (a) abstain from | (Same as Q2) Used for self-restraint from substances or actions. |
| 8 | (a) antipathy to | (Same as Q3) Highlights a deep-seated aversion. |
| 9 | (b) convulsed with | (Same as Q4) Describes uncontrollable physical reaction to humor. |
| 10 | (a) contrary to | (Same as Q5) Often used in academic or formal reporting. |
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