Fill in the blank with the most appropriate preposition: The manager was taken aback ______ the sudden resignation of three key employees.
by
The blank needs the preposition that correctly completes the phrasal expression 'taken aback'.
'Taken aback' is an idiomatic expression meaning to be surprised or shocked by something unexpected.
When we name the cause of the surprise, the fixed collocation is 'taken aback by', where 'by' introduces the agent or reason for the shock.
Here the cause of the manager's shock is 'the sudden resignation of three key employees', so 'by' fits naturally.
The completed sentence reads: 'The manager was taken aback by the sudden resignation of three key employees.'
'At' can follow some emotion words but does not collocate with 'taken aback'; 'for' would suggest purpose or duration, which is wrong here.
'Over' would imply an ongoing dispute or worry rather than a sudden shock, so it does not suit the sense.
Hence, the correct answer is by.
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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.
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Important Questions from Fill in the Blanks
Direction : Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.
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I wish I _____ her before we met.Directions: Each of the following items in this section has a sentence with a missing preposition. Select the correct preposition from the given options and mark your response accordingly.
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Directions: Each of the following items in this section has a sentence with a missing preposition. Select the correct preposition from the given options and mark your response accordingly.
He visits the needy to relieve them ______ their sufferings and poverty.
