WREN & MARTIN's English grammar-usage of phrase prepositions: according to, agreeably to, along with, away from, because of, by dint of

 

 usage of phrase prepositions: according to, agreeably to, along with, away from, because of, by dint of

1. What is a phrase preposition? A) A single word that connects a noun to another word B) A preposition formed by combining two words into one C) A preposition used only in formal and legal writing D) A group of two or more words that functions as a single preposition

✅ Answer: D) A group of two or more words that functions as a single preposition A phrase preposition (also called a phrasal preposition) is a group of two or more words that together perform the function of a single preposition. Examples: according to, because of, in spite of, by dint of, along with, away from, on behalf of, in front of, by means of, with regard to. Unlike compound prepositions (into, onto, within), phrase prepositions are always written as separate words.

2. "_______ the weather forecast, there will be heavy snowfall tonight." A) Along with B) Away from C) By dint of D) According to

✅ Answer: D) According to "According to" means as stated by an external source. The weather forecast is the source of information being cited. This is the most natural and correct use of "according to" — introducing information from a report, person, authority, or document. Never use "according to" with personal opinions.

3. "The prize was distributed _______ the rules laid down by the committee." A) along with B) away from C) because of D) agreeably to

✅ Answer: D) agreeably to "Agreeably to" is a formal phrase preposition meaning in conformity with; in accordance with. The distribution of the prize followed and conformed to the rules set by the committee. It is used in formal, legal, and literary contexts where an action strictly follows an established rule, wish, or guideline.

4. "The principal came to the stage _______ the heads of all departments." A) according to B) away from C) by dint of D) along with

✅ Answer: D) along with "Along with" means together with; in the company of; in addition to. The principal and the heads of departments came together as a group. "Along with" correctly joins two parties who are present or acting together. Note: when "along with" is used, the verb agrees with the first subject — "The principal...came."

5. "She kept herself _______ negative influences throughout her career." A) according to B) along with C) by dint of D) away from

✅ Answer: D) away from "Away from" means at a distance from; keeping separation from something. She deliberately maintained distance from negative influences. "Away from" always implies separation, avoidance, or increasing distance from a person, place, or situation. It is the opposite of "towards" or "along with."

6. "The match was cancelled _______ the extremely poor condition of the ground." A) agreeably to B) along with C) away from D) because of

✅ Answer: D) because of "Because of" means as a result of; owing to; on account of. The poor condition of the ground was the direct cause of the cancellation. "Because of" always introduces the reason or cause and is followed by a noun or gerund — never by a full clause with a subject and verb.

7. "_______ relentless effort and unwavering focus, she topped the national examination." A) Away from B) Along with C) According to D) By dint of

✅ Answer: D) By dint of "By dint of" means by means of; through the force of; as a result of effort or a particular quality. Her success was achieved through relentless effort and focus — these were the means and force behind her achievement. "By dint of" is always followed by a noun or gerund expressing effort, force, ability, or quality.

8. "_______ his wishes, the farewell ceremony was kept simple and private." A) Away from B) Along with C) By dint of D) Agreeably to

✅ Answer: D) Agreeably to "Agreeably to" correctly expresses that the ceremony was conducted in conformity with and following his wishes. The action matched exactly what he wanted. This is a classic use of "agreeably to" in a formal context where someone's expressed wish or instruction is being followed precisely.

9. "His brilliant performance in the finals _______ his consistent training paid off tremendously." A) away from B) agreeably to C) by dint of D) along with

✅ Answer: D) along with "Along with" correctly combines two elements that contributed together to the outcome — his brilliant performance AND his consistent training both played a role. "Along with" joins two things that exist or occur together, adding one to the other to complete the picture.

10. Which sentence uses "by dint of" INCORRECTLY? A) He mastered three languages by dint of years of dedicated study. B) By dint of her charm and intelligence, she won everyone over. C) They rebuilt the company by dint of sheer determination and sacrifice. D) She travelled to the conference by dint of the company car.

✅ Answer: D) She travelled to the conference by dint of the company car. This is incorrect because "by dint of" must be followed by effort, force, ability, or quality — not a mode of transport or a physical object. "By dint of the company car" is wrong. The correct preposition for transport is simply "by": "She travelled by the company car." "By dint of" is exclusively used for means of personal effort or quality.

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