Prepositions in common fixed phrases and adverbials
Q1. He arrived ___ chance
BY CHANCE means accidentally. Arrival was coincidental. Fate intervened.
Q2. She left ___ haste
IN HASTE means hurriedly. Departure was swift. Consequences may follow.
Q3. They met ___ random
AT RANDOM means without pattern. Meetings occur. Coincidence is suspected.
Q4. He spoke ___ ease
WITH EASE means easily. Speaking flowed. Effort was absent.
Q5. We are ___ a loss for words
AT A LOSS means uncertain. Words fail. Speechlessness ensues.