Your taskFill in the gap in each sentence with the correct word or phrase.inforforforininofforforinofinforinfor0 / 15 answeredYour score0 / 150%Keep practising! Focus on the explanations below.1The most recent census figures show a marked increase the proportion of working-age adults living alone. (preposition)Correct answer: in▸ Why?"Increase in (sth)" introduces the measured quantity that has gone up. The dominant L1-transfer error is "of" (calqued from French "augmentation de"), but English uses "in" with all quantitative-change nouns: increase, decrease, rise, fall, drop, growth, reduction.2When pressed during the inquiry, the chief executive could provide no convincing reason the company's sudden change of direction. (preposition)Correct answer: for▸ Why?"Reason for (sth)" is fixed. The strongest L1-transfer error is "of" (Romance languages), or "to" (German "Grund zu"). English uses "for" with reason, justification, motivation, explanation and excuse.3There is now a pressing need a coordinated international response to the rising number of cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure. (preposition)Correct answer: for▸ Why?"Need for (sth)" is fixed when "need" is a noun. The verb "need" takes a direct object with no preposition, but the noun pattern always uses "for". "Of" is the most common learner error.4Industry analysts attribute the sharp price rise to an unprecedented demand rare-earth metals from the renewable-energy sector. (preposition)Correct answer: for▸ Why?"Demand for (sth)" is the fixed economics collocation. Distinct from "demand on someone" (= a heavy claim on their time). For a marketed good or service, the preposition is always "for".5The committee noted with some surprise the sustained growth part-time enrolment over the past five academic years. (preposition)Correct answer: in▸ Why?"Growth in (sth)" follows the same IN-pattern as "increase in". Distinct from "growth of (sth)" — possible when the noun is something with intrinsic dimensions ("the growth of a tree"), but with statistical quantities and trends, "in" is the precise C1 choice.6A substantial reduction atmospheric particulates was recorded across all monitoring stations following the introduction of the low-emission zone. (preposition)Correct answer: in▸ Why?"Reduction in (sth)" mirrors "increase in" and "decrease in". The whole change-magnitude family uses "in". "Of" is the recurring learner error.7The official investigation eventually concluded that fatigue, rather than human error, was the principal cause the derailment near Banbury. (preposition)Correct answer: of▸ Why?"Cause of (sth)" is fixed. Compare with "reason for (sth)" — the two are near-synonyms but use different prepositions. "Cause" focuses on physical or scientific causation and takes "of"; "reason" focuses on motivation or rationale and takes "for".8Despite weeks of careful analysis, the research team could offer no convincing explanation the unusual readings recorded on the night of the storm. (preposition)Correct answer: for▸ Why?"Explanation for (sth)" parallels "reason for (sth)". The complement is the puzzling phenomenon being accounted for. "Of" is the recurring L1-transfer error from Romance languages.9The ethics committee unanimously found that there was no acceptable justification continuing the trial under the original protocol. (preposition)Correct answer: for▸ Why?"Justification for (sth / doing sth)" follows the same FOR-pattern as "reason for" and "explanation for". The recurring L1-transfer error is "of" (Romance languages); "to" is the calque from German "Rechtfertigung zu".10Emergency-room staff reported a noticeable surge admissions related to heat exhaustion during the second week of the heatwave. (preposition)Correct answer: in▸ Why?"Surge in (sth)" patterns with "rise in" and "increase in" but suggests a sudden, dramatic spike. All such change-of-magnitude nouns take "in".11Geologists at the site discovered substantial evidence repeated volcanic activity in the region during the late Pleistocene. (preposition)Correct answer: of▸ Why?"Evidence of (sth)" is the default when the complement is a phenomenon, fact or condition whose existence the evidence supports. "Evidence for" is also possible — but is typically reserved for proving a particular hypothesis or claim. For factual existence, "of" is the precise C1 choice.12After the latest round of interest-rate decisions, brokers reported a noticeable drop first-time buyer activity across most regions of the country. (preposition)Correct answer: in▸ Why?"Drop in (sth)" follows the same IN-pattern as "fall in" and "decline in". The whole downward-change family of nouns takes "in".13Persistent rainfall is, in the chairman's view, no acceptable excuse such a serious failure to meet contractual deadlines. (preposition)Correct answer: for▸ Why?"Excuse for (sth)" mirrors the verb pattern "excuse sb for (doing sth)" used in apologetic contexts. Both adjective/noun and verb use "for".14Economists were quick to attribute the unexpected fall retail sales to a combination of higher taxes and tightening household credit. (preposition)Correct answer: in▸ Why?"Fall in (sth)" mirrors "rise in" and completes the up/down quantitative-change family that always takes "in". "Of" is the recurring L1-transfer error.15Polling consistently indicates broad public support stricter regulation of large social-media platforms, even among regular users. (preposition)Correct answer: for▸ Why?"Support for (sth/sb)" is fixed — the complement is the cause, person or position being supported. The verb form "support sth" takes a direct object with no preposition; the noun always takes "for".Check AnswersPlease answer at least one question first.Found an error in this exercise? Let us know.