The sentence given with blanks are to be filled with an appropriate word(s). Four alternatives are suggested for each question. For each question, choose the correct alternative and click the button corresponding to it. Due to heavy rains, the match was called ______.
off
Understanding Phrasal Verbs: "Called Off" Explained
This question asks us to choose the correct word to complete the sentence using a phrasal verb. Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and a preposition or adverb that have a meaning different from the original verb.
The sentence is: "Due to heavy rains, the match was called ______." We need to find the word that, when combined with "called," forms a phrasal verb suitable for the context.
Analyzing the Options for "Called" Phrasal Verb
Let's look at the options provided and their meanings when combined with the verb "call":
- Called of: This is not a standard phrasal verb in English. "Of" is a preposition used in many contexts, but it doesn't form a common phrasal verb with "call" meaning cancellation.
- Called off: The phrasal verb "call off" means to cancel something that was planned. For example, "They had to call off the meeting." or "The event was called off due to bad weather." This meaning fits the context of a match being cancelled because of heavy rains.
- Called down: The phrasal verb "call down" can mean to summon (like calling down a curse) or to rebuke someone severely. Neither of these meanings fits the cancellation of a match.
- Called out: The phrasal verb "call out" has several meanings, including shouting, challenging someone, summoning someone for a specific purpose (like military service), or identifying something publicly. None of these meanings fit the cancellation of a match due to rain.
Why "Off" is the Correct Completion
Based on the analysis of the options, the phrasal verb that means to cancel something planned is "call off." The sentence describes a situation where the heavy rains caused the cancellation of the match. Therefore, "called off" is the appropriate phrase to use.
The completed sentence is: "Due to heavy rains, the match was called off."
Summary of Phrasal Verb Meanings
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Call off | To cancel something planned | The picnic was called off because of the storm. |
| Call down | To summon or rebuke | He called down a blessing. / She called him down for being late. |
| Call out | To shout, challenge, summon, identify | He called out her name. / She called him out on his lie. |
Understanding common phrasal verbs like "call off" is important for fluency and accuracy in English.
Revision Table Heading: English Phrasal Verbs and Usage
Additional Information: More About Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are very common in English and can be tricky because their meaning is often idiomatic, meaning it cannot be guessed from the individual words. They consist of a main verb and one or two particles (prepositions or adverbs).
Some phrasal verbs are separable (the object can go between the verb and particle), and some are inseparable. "Call off" is often used transitively (with an object, like "call off the match") and can be separable, e.g., "call the match off." However, in passive voice constructions like the sentence given ("the match was called off"), the verb and particle stay together.
Learning phrasal verbs often requires memorization and practice through reading and listening to English. Pay attention to how they are used in different contexts.
Important Questions from Fill in the blanks
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 5.
