WREN & MARTIN's English grammar-usage of phrase prepositions: by means of, by reason of, by virtue of, by way of, conformably to, for the sake of
usage of phrase prepositions: by means of, by reason of, by virtue of, by way of, conformably to, for the sake of
1. What does the phrase preposition "by means of" indicate? A) In spite of a difficulty or obstacle B) In conformity with a rule or authority C) For the benefit or welfare of someone D) Through the use of a particular method, tool, or instrument
✅ Answer: D) Through the use of a particular method, tool, or instrument "By means of" means through the use of; using a particular tool, method, or instrument to achieve something. It focuses on the method or instrument used to accomplish an action. Example: "He escaped by means of a rope ladder." It differs from "by dint of" which stresses personal effort or quality — "by means of" stresses the tool or method used.
2. "The scientist explained the complex process _______ a detailed diagram." A) for the sake of B) by reason of C) conformably to D) by means of
✅ Answer: D) by means of "By means of" correctly shows that the diagram was the tool or instrument used to explain the complex process. The diagram was the method of explanation. Whenever an action is accomplished through the use of a specific tool, instrument, or method, "by means of" is the correct phrase preposition.
3. "He was excused from the examination _______ his prolonged illness." A) by means of B) by virtue of C) for the sake of D) by reason of
✅ Answer: D) by reason of "By reason of" means because of; on account of; owing to a particular cause or circumstance. His illness was the reason or justification for being excused. It is more formal than "because of" and is commonly used in legal, official, and formal contexts to state the grounds or justification for a decision.
4. "She holds this position _______ her exceptional qualifications and long experience." A) by means of B) for the sake of C) by way of D) by virtue of
✅ Answer: D) by virtue of "By virtue of" means by reason of a particular quality, authority, right, or inherent power. Her qualifications and experience give her the inherent right or authority to hold the position. It differs from "by reason of" (which gives an external cause) because "by virtue of" refers to an inherent quality or right that justifies something.
5. "He told a joke _______ introduction before beginning his serious speech." A) by reason of B) by virtue of C) for the sake of D) by way of
✅ Answer: D) by way of "By way of" means as a form of; serving as; in the manner of. The joke served as an introduction — it functioned in the role of an introduction. "By way of" is used to describe something that serves a particular function or purpose in a given context. It introduces the role or nature of an action.
6. "Please do not argue _______ argument — let us focus on finding a solution." A) by virtue of B) by means of C) by way of D) for the sake of
✅ Answer: D) for the sake of "For the sake of" means for the purpose of; in the interest of; out of consideration for. "Arguing for the sake of argument" means arguing not to solve anything but purely for the purpose of arguing itself. It is a common expression showing that the action is done for its own sake or for a particular benefit or interest.
7. "_______ the ancient customs of the village, the ceremony was performed at sunrise." A) By means of B) By reason of C) For the sake of D) Conformably to
✅ Answer: D) Conformably to "Conformably to" is a formal phrase preposition meaning in accordance with; in conformity with; following exactly. The ceremony was performed following and conforming to the ancient customs — it matched them precisely. Like "agreeably to," it is used in formal and literary contexts to show strict adherence to a rule, custom, tradition, or authority.
8. "The soldier sacrificed his life _______ his country and his people." A) by means of B) conformably to C) by reason of D) for the sake of
✅ Answer: D) for the sake of "For the sake of" perfectly expresses that the soldier's sacrifice was made in the interest of and out of deep consideration for his country and people. It is the most natural phrase preposition for expressing selfless action done for the benefit or welfare of someone or something else.
9. "_______ his seniority and rank, the officer was given command of the entire regiment." A) For the sake of B) Conformably to C) By means of D) By virtue of
✅ Answer: D) By virtue of "By virtue of" is the correct choice because his seniority and rank are inherent qualities and rights that entitled him to command. He did not earn the command through effort (by dint of) or through a tool (by means of) — his existing position and rank gave him the inherent authority and right to be given command.
10. Which sentence uses "by way of" INCORRECTLY? A) She sent flowers by way of apology for missing the meeting. B) He offered a brief summary by way of introduction to the topic. C) By way of example, let me show you how this formula works. D) He succeeded in the examination by way of his hard work.
✅ Answer: D) He succeeded in the examination by way of his hard work. This is incorrect because "by way of" means serving as / in the manner of / functioning as — it describes something that plays a particular role or serves a particular function. Hard work is not a "manner" of passing — it is the means or effort behind success. The correct phrase prepositions here would be "by dint of" (by dint of his hard work) or "by means of" (by means of consistent study).
Comments
Post a Comment