Fill in the blank with the most appropriate preposition: The archaeologist stumbled ______ an ancient manuscript buried beneath the ruins.
upon
The blank must take the preposition that joins with 'stumbled' to convey discovering something by accident, not searching for it deliberately.
English fixes this meaning in the phrasal verb 'stumble upon', which means to come across or find something unexpectedly and by chance.
Slotted in, 'stumbled upon an ancient manuscript buried beneath the ruins' pictures the archaeologist chancing on the hidden document rather than deliberately excavating it.
'Across' can loosely suggest a chance find, but 'stumble across' is the weaker, more informal variant and is less idiomatic than 'stumble upon' in careful written English.
'Into' turns the phrase into 'stumble into', which suggests physically colliding with an object or blundering into a place, not discovering a manuscript.
'Over' gives 'stumble over', meaning to literally trip on something underfoot, which again loses the sense of unexpected discovery.
Rule: 'stumble upon' is the established idiom for an accidental discovery, so the most appropriate preposition is upon.
Similar Questions
Over the past century, the world has witnessed a remarkable evolution in girls’ education. In many parts of the world, especially during the early 1900s, girls were often denied access to schools or allowed only basic literacy. Deeprooted social norms and economic barriers restricted girls to household roles, and their potential to contribute equally to society remained untapped.
Gradually, global awareness about gender equality and human rights began to change this scenario. International organisations and local governments worked together to launch initiatives aimed at increasing female literacy rates, building safe schools, and encouraging families to send their daughters to study. Campaigns highlighting the importance of girls’ education brought hope to millions.
Despite significant progress, challenges still persist in several developing nations, where poverty, early marriage, and cultural resistance continue to keep girls away from classrooms. However, the success stories of educated women who have become leaders, scientists, and change makers inspire others to break barriers. The evolution of girls’ education proves that empowering women through knowledge benefits entire communities and fuels sustainable development.
Complete the sentence with the most appropriate preposition:
International organisations worked together to launch initiatives aimed ___ increasing female literacy rates.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option:
The philosopher's ideas were so ______ that they challenged conventional understanding of time and existence.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate preposition:
The athlete was disqualified _____ violating the rules of the competition.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate preposition:
The witness was reluctant to testify _____ fear of retaliation.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate conjunction:
_____ the forecast warned of heavy rain, the outdoor ceremony proceeded as planned.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option:
The ambassador’s tone was ______, balancing diplomacy with quiet authority.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate preposition:
The policy was implemented _____ accordance with international standards.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate conjunction:
She must complete the registration by Friday, _____ she won't be allowed to participate.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate verb:
After months of silence, the author finally _____ the controversy in a detailed blog post.
Complete the sentence with the most appropriate preposition:
International organisations worked together to launch initiatives aimed ___ increasing female literacy rates.
Important Questions from Fill in the Blanks
Directions: Fill in the blanks with the word that best completes the sentence.
With a less rapid expansion of the economy, we should make________ progress toward stable price levels.
Directions: Fill in the blanks with the word that best completes the sentence.
At times he gets very angry, and then no one can_______ him.
Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly.
Many people today have fallen into utter confusion of values with the result that they cannot______ the good from the bad.
Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly
If Mohan________ at 5 a.m., he would not have missed the train.
Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly.
His property was divided ______ his daughters and sons.
