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.
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 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.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate phrase:
The manager dismissed the idea outright, calling it ______ without any substantial benefit.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate preposition:
The researchers accounted _____ all variables before finalizing the data model.
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.
