WREN & MARTIN's English grammar- the usage of participial prepositions

 

 the usage of participial prepositions

1. Which of the following best defines a participial preposition? A) A preposition formed by combining two simple prepositions into one word B) A group of three or more words functioning as a single preposition C) A preposition used only in legal and official documents D) A present or past participle of a verb that functions as a preposition without a subject

✅ Answer: D) A present or past participle of a verb that functions as a preposition without a subject A participial preposition is a present participle (-ing form) or past participle (-ed form) of a verb that has lost its verbal function and now works purely as a preposition. Examples: regarding, concerning, considering, including, excluding, excepting, given, provided, pending, notwithstanding, barring, touching, following, during, past. They connect a noun or pronoun to the rest of the sentence just like any other preposition.

2. "_______ the current situation, the management has decided to postpone the annual event." A) Barring B) Excluding C) Following D) Considering

✅ Answer: D) Considering "Considering" is a participial preposition meaning taking into account; in view of; bearing in mind. The management made their decision taking into account the current situation. It introduces a fact or circumstance that is being weighed or taken into consideration before arriving at a conclusion or decision.

3. "_______ your letter of complaint, we wish to assure you that the matter is being investigated." A) Considering B) Barring C) Including D) Regarding

✅ Answer: D) Regarding "Regarding" is a participial preposition meaning concerning; about; with reference to. The response is being given about and concerning the letter of complaint. "Regarding" is one of the most widely used participial prepositions in formal correspondence — it introduces the subject or topic of a communication clearly and directly.

4. "All members of the team, _______ the captain, were present at the briefing." A) regarding B) considering C) following D) including

✅ Answer: D) including "Including" is a participial preposition meaning as part of the whole; counting as a member of the group. The captain was part of the group that was present — he is being counted in. "Including" always adds a specific person or thing to a group already mentioned. Its opposite is "excluding" — which removes someone from the group.

5. "_______ the retirement of the director, a new appointment will be made next month." A) Regarding B) Considering C) Barring D) Following

✅ Answer: D) Following "Following" is a participial preposition meaning after; as a result of; subsequent to. The new appointment will be made after and as a result of the director's retirement. "Following" introduces an event that comes after and is triggered by a preceding event. It is widely used in formal writing, news reports, and official announcements.

6. "_______ all accidents and emergencies, the convoy is expected to arrive by noon." A) Following B) Considering C) Including D) Barring

✅ Answer: D) Barring "Barring" is a participial preposition meaning except for; unless something unexpected happens; excluding the possibility of. The convoy will arrive by noon unless accidents or emergencies occur. "Barring" always introduces an exception or an unforeseen obstacle that could prevent the expected outcome. It expresses a conditional exception.

7. "_______ the recent floods, it is remarkable that no lives were lost in the affected area." A) Including B) Following C) Barring D) Given

✅ Answer: D) Given "Given" is a participial preposition meaning taking into account; considering the circumstances of; in view of. It is remarkable taking into account the severity of the recent floods that no lives were lost. "Given" introduces a fact or circumstance that makes a subsequent statement surprising, remarkable, or understandable. It is very similar to "considering" but often carries a stronger sense of contrast or surprise.

8. "The new regulations apply to all employees, _______ senior management." A) including B) following C: given D) excepting

✅ Answer: D) excepting "Excepting" is a participial preposition meaning with the exception of; leaving out; not including. Senior management is being left out or excluded from the application of the new regulations. "Excepting" is more formal than "except" and is used to exclude a specific person or group from a general statement. It is similar to "excluding" but slightly more formal and emphatic.

9. "_______ the approval of the board, the new project will commence from the first of next month." A) Barring B) Considering C: Following D) Pending

✅ Answer: D) Pending "Pending" is a participial preposition meaning while awaiting; until; subject to the outcome of. The project will commence while awaiting and subject to the approval of the board. "Pending" always introduces a condition that must be fulfilled before an action can take place. It is widely used in legal, business, and official contexts.

10. Which sentence uses the participial preposition "concerning" INCORRECTLY? A) The police issued a statement concerning the recent incident. B) She raised several questions concerning the new policy. C) Concerning your application, we will notify you within five working days. D) He arrived late concerning the heavy traffic on the main road.

✅ Answer: D) He arrived late concerning the heavy traffic on the main road. This is incorrect because "concerning" means about; with reference to a subject — it introduces a topic or subject, not a cause or reason. "Heavy traffic" is the reason for arriving late — not a topic being discussed. The correct phrase prepositions for introducing a cause are "on account of," "owing to," or "because of": "He arrived late on account of the heavy traffic."

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