WREN & MARTIN's English grammar-usage of phrase prepositions: in place of, in reference to, in regard to, in spite of, instead of, in the event of

 

usage of phrase prepositions: in place of, in reference to, in regard to, in spite of, instead of, in the event of

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1. What does the phrase preposition "in place of" mean? A) In the process of doing something B) As a result of a particular cause C) In support of a person or decision D) As a substitute for; in the position or role of someone or something else

✅ Answer: D) As a substitute for; in the position or role of someone or something else "In place of" means substituting one person, thing, or action for another. It introduces the person or thing that has been replaced or substituted. Example: "She attended the conference in place of her manager." It is very similar to "instead of" and "in lieu of" but "in place of" more specifically emphasises the role or position being filled by a substitute.

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2. "The vice principal addressed the students _______ the principal, who was unwell." A) in spite of B) in the event of C) in regard to D) in place of

✅ Answer: D) in place of "In place of" correctly shows that the vice principal substituted for and filled the role of the principal. The vice principal stepped into the principal's position because the principal was unavailable. This is the most natural use of "in place of" — one person filling the role or position of another who cannot be present.

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3. "I am writing _______ your recent application for the position of senior accountant." A) in place of B) in spite of C) instead of D) in reference to

✅ Answer: D) in reference to "In reference to" means concerning; with regard to; about a particular subject that has already been mentioned or established. The letter is written about the application — the application is the specific subject being referred to. "In reference to" is widely used in formal letters, emails, and official correspondence to introduce the specific topic or subject being addressed.

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4. "_______ your query about the delivery schedule, we will dispatch your order by Friday." A) In place of B) Instead of C) In spite of D) In regard to

✅ Answer: D) In regard to "In regard to" means concerning; with reference to; on the subject of. The response is being given on the subject of the query about the delivery schedule. "In regard to" is used in formal correspondence to introduce the topic being discussed or addressed. It is interchangeable with "with regard to" and "in reference to" in most formal contexts.

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5. "_______ the heavy traffic, she arrived at the interview exactly on time." A) In reference to B) In regard to C) In place of D) In spite of

✅ Answer: D) In spite of "In spite of" means regardless of; notwithstanding; without being deterred by an obstacle or difficulty. The heavy traffic was an obstacle, but she arrived on time regardless of it. "In spite of" always introduces a difficulty, obstacle, or unfavourable condition that was overcome or ignored. It expresses a contrast between the obstacle and the positive outcome.

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6. "He chose to walk to work _______ taking the bus, as the weather was pleasant." A) in place of B) in regard to C) in spite of D) instead of

✅ Answer: D) instead of "Instead of" means in place of; as an alternative to; choosing one option over another. Walking was chosen as an alternative to taking the bus. "Instead of" focuses on the choice between two alternatives — the option introduced by "instead of" is the one that was not chosen. It is more common in everyday English than "in place of" or "in lieu of."

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7. "_______ a fire or gas leak, evacuate the building immediately and call emergency services." A) In regard to B) In reference to C) Instead of D) In the event of

✅ Answer: D) In the event of "In the event of" means if a particular situation occurs; in case of; as a precaution against a possible situation. It introduces a possible future emergency or situation and the action to be taken if it occurs. "In the event of" is widely used in safety instructions, emergency procedures, legal documents, and official guidelines to outline contingency plans.

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8. "_______ all the criticism she received, she continued to pursue her dream of becoming a writer." A) In reference to B) In the event of C) In regard to D) In spite of

✅ Answer: D) In spite of "In spite of" correctly introduces the criticism as the obstacle or difficulty that she faced but did not allow to stop her. She pursued her dream regardless of and undeterred by the criticism. The contrast between the difficulty (criticism) and the positive action (pursuing her dream) is the defining feature of "in spite of."

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9. "_______ your earlier letter dated 15th April, we wish to inform you of the following changes." A) In place of B) Instead of C) In the event of D) In reference to

✅ Answer: D) In reference to "In reference to" correctly introduces the earlier letter as the specific subject or document being referred to in the current communication. This is a classic and very common use of "in reference to" in formal business correspondence — referring back to a previously sent letter, email, document, or communication to establish context.

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10. Which sentence uses "instead of" INCORRECTLY? A) She drank green tea instead of coffee every morning. B) He submitted a project instead of taking the written test. C) They decided to walk instead of taking a taxi to the venue. D) She succeeded instead of her tremendous hard work and dedication.

✅ Answer: D) She succeeded instead of her tremendous hard work and dedication. This is incorrect because "instead of" means as an alternative to / in place of — it introduces something that was not chosen or not done. Hard work and dedication are not things that were avoided or replaced — they are the cause of her success. The correct phrase preposition here is "because of" or "by dint of": "She succeeded because of her tremendous hard work and dedication."