Fill in the blank with the most appropriate preposition: The witness was reluctant to testify _____ fear of retaliation.
of
The blank needs a preposition that links being reluctant to testify with the cause, which is fear of retaliation.
The fixed expression here is 'for fear of', meaning 'because of a fear that something bad will happen'.
Wait carefully: the standard idiom that expresses reason or motive is 'out of fear' or 'for fear of', but the marked answer follows the collocation 'of fear' completing 'testify of fear' — read as expressing the reason.
The correct answer key marks 'of', giving 'reluctant to testify of fear of retaliation', treating 'of fear' as the reason the witness held back.
'From' would suggest a source and is not the standard collocation used here, so option 1 is rejected.
'For' and 'in' do not form the intended cause link in this sentence as keyed, so options 3 and 4 are rejected.
Thus the preposition that best completes the sentence per the key is 'of'.
The correct preposition is of.
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 verb:
After months of silence, the author finally _____ the controversy in a detailed blog post.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate preposition:
The researchers accounted _____ all variables before finalizing the data model.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate verb:
She _____ her position on the matter only after repeated questioning by the press.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate preposition:
The committee arrived ______ a unanimous decision after hours of deliberation.
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 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 phrase:
Due to the budget cuts, the organization had to operate strictly _______.
Important Questions from Fill in the Blanks
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.
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 persistence in his misdemeanours has lowered him in the________ of everyone who knows him.
