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Prepositions Of Instrument – Quiz 1
Prepositions Of Instrument Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding and correct usage of prepositions indicating means or instruments. It covers instrumental preposition usage in context, testing skills such as identifying prepositional phrases that denote tools or methods used for an action. The scope includes recognizing appropriate prepositions to indicate means, agents, or tools in sentences.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
The photo was taken ..... a camera.
A) Using.
B) By.
C) With.
D) On.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "by" is correct here because it indicates the means or instrument by which an action was performed. In this context, a camera is the tool used to take the photo.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Using - Incorrect; "using" implies the act of employing something but not as precisely indicating the tool itself.
Option B:
By - Correct; it indicates the means or instrument by which an action was performed, fitting for saying a photo was taken by a camera.
Option C:
With - Incorrect; "with" can be used but is less precise than "by" in this context. It could imply the camera was part of the process rather than the tool itself.
Option D:
On - Incorrect; "on" does not fit grammatically or semantically for indicating a tool used to take a photo.
2.
He picked up the ice ..... (the help of) a spoon
A) With.
B) In.
C) By.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "with" is correct because it indicates the use of a spoon as an instrument to pick up the ice. The phrase "He picked up the ice with a spoon" means that he used the spoon to accomplish the action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates the use of a spoon as an instrument.
Option B:
Incorrect. "In" suggests containing, not using as an instrument.
Option C:
Incorrect. "By" implies means or method, not direct instrument usage.
Option D:
Not applicable since Option A is correct.
3.
Did you do your homework ..... the computer?
A) On.
B) With.
C) By.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "on" is correct because the phrase "on the computer" indicates that the action of doing homework was performed using a computer as an instrument.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates use of the computer as an instrument for performing the action.
Option B:
Incorrect. "With" suggests the computer is part of the activity, not just a tool.
Option C:
Incorrect. "By" implies the computer itself did the homework, which is not the case.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
4.
The data was sent ..... an encrypted connection.
A) Through.
B) By.
C) With.
D) On.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "through" is correctly used in this sentence to indicate the means by which the data was sent, implying an encrypted connection as a medium or method of transmission.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates the means or medium (an encrypted connection) through which the action (sending data) occurred.
Option B:
Incorrect. "By" typically indicates the agent performing an action, not the means of transmission.
Option C:
Incorrect. "With" is often used to indicate possession or accompaniment, not the method of transmission in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. "On" is generally used for a surface or platform, not for indicating means of transmission.
5.
She comes home ..... bus
A) On.
B) In.
C) By.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "by" is used to indicate the means by which an action is performed, such as traveling. In this sentence, "She comes home by bus" correctly indicates that the mode of transportation is a bus.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
On - typically used for vehicles like bicycles or boats, not buses.
Option B:
In - generally used for enclosed spaces like cars, not buses which are open and often multiple people can board.
Option C:
By - correct as it indicates the means of transportation.
Option D:
None of the above - incorrect since "by" is the appropriate preposition here.
6.
The artist sketched the design ..... his tablet.
A) On.
B) Through.
C) Using.
D) With.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "on" is correct because it indicates the surface or medium on which the artist performed the sketching action. In this context, the tablet serves as the surface where the design was sketched.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates the surface (tablet) where the sketch is made.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Through" suggests a means or medium of communication, not a surface for drawing.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Using" indicates the tool or method but does not specify the location or surface where the action occurs.
Option D:
Incorrect. "With" also refers to the instrument used but lacks specificity regarding the location of the sketching action.
7.
She cleaned the floor ..... a mop.
A) With.
B) Using.
C) On.
D) By.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Using is the correct preposition here because it indicates the method or means by which the action (cleaning) was performed. "She cleaned the floor using a mop" clearly shows that the mop was the instrument used for cleaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
With - While 'with' can sometimes be used to indicate tools or instruments, in this context, 'using' is more precise and commonly preferred.
Option B:
Using - Correct. Indicates the method of cleaning.
Option C:
On - Incorrect. 'On' typically indicates a surface or location rather than an instrument used for action.
Option D:
By - While 'by' can indicate means, it is less precise and commonly used with passive constructions. 'Using' is more direct in this case.
8.
She cut the paper ..... scissors.
A) With.
B) By.
C) On.
D) Using.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"With" is the correct preposition to use when indicating the tool used for an action, in this case, scissors.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "She cut the paper with scissors." indicates the instrument used.
Option B:
Incorrect. "By" is typically used to indicate means or methods rather than specific tools.
Option C:
Incorrect. "On" is not appropriate for indicating an instrument in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Using" could be correct, but "with" is more concise and commonly used here.
9.
The article was published ..... a website.
A) Using.
B) Through.
C) On.
D) By.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) By.
The preposition "by" indicates the means or agent through which an action was performed. In this context, it suggests that the article was published using a website as the medium or tool.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Using - Incorrect; "using" implies the method or instrument directly, not the location of publication.
Option B:
Through - Incorrect; "through" suggests a means or channel but is more formal and less common in this context than "by."
Option C:
On - Incorrect; "on" typically indicates the surface or platform where something exists, not the method of publication.
Option D:
By - Correct; it denotes the means or agent through which the action (publishing) was performed.
10.
The payment was made ..... credit card.
A) Through.
B) With.
C) By.
D) On.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "by" is correct in this context because it indicates the means or instrument through which an action was performed. In this sentence, "by credit card" specifies the method used to make the payment.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Through" typically implies a medium or channel but is less precise than "by" for specifying the means of payment.
Option B:
"With" can be correct in some contexts, such as "I paid with my credit card," but "by" is more formal and commonly used here.
Option C:
"By" correctly indicates the instrument or means of making the payment.
Option D:
"On" usually refers to a surface or occasion, not a method of payment.
11.
He made the sculpture ..... a chisel.
A) On.
B) With.
C) Using.
D) By.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "by" is correct here because it indicates the means or method by which the action was performed. In this context, "he made the sculpture by a chisel" implies that he used a chisel to create the sculpture.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
On - Incorrect as "on" does not indicate the means of creation.
Option B:
With - While "with" can sometimes be correct for tools, "by" is more precise in this context.
Option C:
Using - This could also work but "by" is more concise and commonly used here.
Option D:
By - Correct as it indicates the means of creation through a tool.
12.
The garbage was carried away ..... a truck
A) With.
B) By.
C) On.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "by" is correct because it indicates the means or agent by which an action was performed. In this sentence, "by a truck" suggests that the garbage was carried away using a truck as the means of transportation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
With - Incorrect; "with" typically denotes accompaniment or use of something.
Option B:
By - Correct; indicates the agent or means by which an action was performed.
Option C:
On - Incorrect; "on" is used to indicate position or movement over a surface, not transportation.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect; "by" is the correct preposition in this context.
13.
She traveled to the city ..... a car.
A) Using.
B) With.
C) By.
D) On.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"By" is the correct preposition to use when referring to travel by means of a vehicle, such as a car. This usage indicates the method or instrument used for traveling from one place to another.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Using" typically implies direct action with an object and is not commonly used to describe transportation methods.
Option B:
"With" can be used in some contexts, but it does not specifically denote the means of travel as clearly as "by." For example, "She traveled to the city with a car" could imply she had a car with her rather than using a car for transportation.
Option C:
"By" is correct because it specifies the vehicle used for traveling. This preposition is commonly used in phrases like "by car," "by bus," or "by plane."
Option D:
"On" is generally used with modes of transportation that involve sitting on a surface, such as "on a bicycle" or "on an airplane." It would be incorrect to use "on a car" for travel.
14.
The musician played the song ..... a piano.
A) By.
B) With.
C) Using.
D) On.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "on" is correct in this context because it indicates the instrument used to play the song. When referring to playing a musical piece on an instrument, "on" is the appropriate choice among the given options.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
By - Incorrect; "by" typically denotes the performer or method but not the instrument.
Option B:
With - Incorrect; "with" suggests a tool or means, which is less precise for musical instruments.
Option C:
Using - Incorrect; "using" is too general and not commonly used in this context.
Option D:
On - Correct; "on" specifies the instrument being played.
15.
The image was edited ..... advanced tools.
A) By.
B) On.
C) Using.
D) With.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Using" is the correct preposition to indicate that advanced tools were employed for editing the image. The phrase "using advanced tools" means that these tools were the instruments through which the action (editing) was performed.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
By - Incorrect, as "by" typically indicates the agent performing an action, not the instrument.
Option B:
On - Incorrect, as "on" is used to indicate a surface or location, not an instrument for an action.
Option C:
Using - Correct, as it properly denotes the means or tool through which the editing was done.
Option D:
With - While "with" can sometimes be used to indicate tools, "using" is more precise in this context and commonly preferred.
16.
The students conducted the experiment ..... virtual simulations.
A) On.
B) By.
C) Through.
D) Using.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Using" is the correct preposition to indicate the method or tool through which the experiment was conducted, in this case, virtual simulations.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"On" typically indicates a surface or occasion and does not fit here.
Option B:
"By" usually denotes the agent performing an action but is less precise for indicating means or tools in this context.
Option C:
"Through" can be correct in some contexts, but "using" is more direct and commonly used here.
Option D:
"Using" correctly indicates the method of conducting the experiment with virtual simulations.
17.
The letter was sent ..... post.
A) By.
B) On.
C) With.
D) Through.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "by" is correct because it indicates the means or agent through which an action was performed. In this sentence, "by post" means that the letter was sent using the postal service as the means of delivery.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates the means (post) used for sending.
Option B:
Incorrect. "On post" would imply the letter was delivered by someone on a postal service, which is not the intended meaning.
Option C:
Incorrect. "With post" suggests that the post itself sent the letter, which is not accurate.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Through post" would imply an intermediate step or process, but "by post" directly states the means of delivery.
18.
She took notes ..... her laptop.
A) Using.
B) On.
C) With.
D) By.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Using" implies the laptop was a means to perform an action, but "took notes" is more about recording information rather than using it as a tool in the process.
"On" correctly indicates that she used her laptop as a surface or medium for writing down the notes.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Using - Incorrect. Implies the laptop was an action, not a medium.
Option B:
On - Correct. Indicates the laptop is used as a surface or tool for taking notes.
Option C:
With - Incorrect. Suggests the laptop was a companion rather than a writing surface.
Option D:
By - Incorrect. Implies the laptop was a means to an end, not a medium for note-taking.
19.
The door was locked ..... a key.
A) By.
B) On.
C) Using.
D) With.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "by" is correct because it indicates the means by which the action (locking) was performed, i.e., using a key.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates the means of locking.
Option B:
Incorrect. "On" does not fit grammatically or logically in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Using" is too specific and would require a different sentence structure.
Option D:
Correct, but less precise than "by." "With" indicates the tool used rather than the means of action.
20.
She watered the plants ..... (the help of) a hose
A) With.
B) By.
C) On.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "with" is correct because it indicates the use of a tool or instrument to perform an action. In this sentence, "she watered the plants with a hose," the hose is the means by which she performed the action of watering.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates the use of a tool.
Option B:
Incorrect. "By" typically indicates the method or manner, not the instrument.
Option C:
Incorrect. "On" is used to indicate location or position, not an instrument.
Option D:
Not applicable as one of the options fits correctly.
21.
The message was sent ..... a secure server.
A) On.
B) By.
C) With.
D) Through.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "by" is correct here because it indicates the means or agent through which an action was performed. In this context, "by a secure server" suggests that the message was sent using or via a secure server as the method of transmission.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"On" is incorrect because it does not indicate means or agency.
Option B:
"By" is correct for indicating the means through which an action was performed.
Option C:
"With" could be used if the server was a tool, but "by" is more precise for this context.
Option D:
"Through" would also work in some contexts, but "by" better fits the meaning of using or via a secure server.
22.
The form was filled out ..... a computer.
A) Using.
B) With.
C) On.
D) By.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "using" is correct because it indicates the means or instrument by which the action was performed. In this context, a computer is the tool used to fill out the form.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates the means (computer) with "using."
Option B:
Incorrect. "With" typically refers to tools or materials, not instruments of action.
Option C:
Incorrect. "On" is used for surfaces or locations, not actions performed by a tool.
Option D:
Incorrect. "By" indicates the agent performing the action, not the means.
23.
He fixed the pipe ..... a wrench.
A) Through.
B) On.
C) With.
D) By.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"With" is the correct preposition to use in this context because it indicates the use of a tool, which is an instrument for performing the action (fixing the pipe).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Through" suggests passing something from one side to another, not using a tool. Incorrect.
Option B:
"On" implies positioning or applying pressure, not using as an instrument. Incorrect.
Option C:
"With" correctly indicates the use of a tool (wrench) for the action. Correct.
Option D:
"By" can sometimes be used with tools but is less precise than "with." Less common in this context. Incorrect.
24.
He solved the math problem ..... a calculator.
A) On.
B) Using.
C) With.
D) By.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Using" is the correct preposition to indicate that he solved the math problem with a calculator. The phrase "solve...using" means to find an answer by employing a particular tool or method, which fits the context of using a calculator for solving a math problem.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"On" is incorrect because it does not convey the sense of employing a tool.
Option B:
"Using" is correct as explained above.
Option C:
"With" could be considered, but "using" is more precise in this context.
Option D:
"By" typically implies a method or means rather than the tool itself, making it less suitable here.
25.
The program was installed ..... special software.
A) With.
B) Through.
C) By.
D) Using.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "using" is correct because it indicates the means or instrument by which the action of installing the program was carried out. In this context, "using special software" implies that the installation process required a specific piece of software as an instrument.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
With - Incorrect; "with" typically indicates accompaniment rather than the means or instrument.
Option B:
Through - Incorrect; "through" suggests a method or medium, not necessarily an instrument used in the action.
Option C:
By - Incorrect; "by" is often used to indicate the agent performing the action, not the means or instrument.
Option D:
Using - Correct; This preposition indicates the specific software was the tool or means by which the installation took place.
26.
She found the answer ..... the internet.
A) On.
B) Through.
C) With.
D) Using.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "using" is correct because it indicates the means by which she found the answer, i.e., through the internet as an instrument or tool.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
On - Incorrect. "On" typically denotes a surface or location rather than a means.
Option B:
Through - Incorrect. While "through" can indicate passage, it is not the most precise preposition for indicating the use of an instrument or tool.
Option C:
With - Incorrect. "With" suggests accompaniment rather than the means by which something was done.
Option D:
Using - Correct. This accurately indicates the internet as a means or instrument for finding the answer.
27.
They repaired the machine ..... advanced equipment.
A) By.
B) With.
C) Through.
D) Using.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "by" is correct because it indicates the means or method used to repair the machine, which in this case was advanced equipment.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates the means (advanced equipment) used for repairing.
Option B:
Incorrect. "With" typically indicates possession or accompaniment rather than the method of repair.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Through" suggests a process or medium, not specifically the tool or means of repair.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Using" is more commonly used to indicate the use of equipment but "by" is more precise in this context.
28.
He opened the box ..... a knife.
A) Using.
B) On.
C) By.
D) With.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) With.
The preposition "with" is used to indicate the use of an instrument, tool, or means to perform an action. In this sentence, "he opened the box with a knife," it indicates that he used a knife to open the box.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Using - Incorrect as "using" is not a preposition of instrument.
Option B:
On - Incorrect as "on" does not indicate the use of an instrument.
Option C:
By - While "by" can sometimes be used to indicate means, it is less common and formal than "with" in this context.
Option D:
With - Correct as it indicates the use of a knife to perform the action of opening the box.
29.
They watched the news ..... the television.
A) On.
B) By.
C) Through.
D) With.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "on" is correct because it indicates the means by which they watched the news, implying that the television was the medium through which the news was received and viewed.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates the means of watching the news.
Option B:
Incorrect. "By" suggests a method or means, but not typically used for media like television.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Through" implies a medium or channel, but is less common in this context than "on."
Option D:
Incorrect. "With" suggests an instrument or tool, which does not fit the context of watching television.
30.
The novel was written ..... a typewriter.
A) With.
B) On.
C) By.
D) Using.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "by" is used to indicate the instrument or means by which an action was performed. In this sentence, "by a typewriter" indicates that the novel was written using a typewriter as the tool.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"With" typically denotes the use of something but is not specific to instruments.
Option B:
"On" is used for surfaces or locations, not for tools or means.
Option C:
"By" correctly indicates the instrument used in writing. This is the correct answer.
Option D:
"Using" could be correct but is less concise and common than "by" when specifying an instrument.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are prepositions of instrument?
Prepositions of instrument, also known as prepositions of means or manner, indicate the tool, medium, or method used to perform an action. Examples include "with," "by," and "using."
How do prepositions of instrument differ from other types of prepositions?
Prepositions of instrument specifically denote the means or method by which an action is performed, distinguishing them from prepositions that indicate location or time.
Can you give an example sentence using a preposition of instrument?
Certainly! The sentence "She painted the wall with a brush" uses the preposition "with," indicating the tool used for painting.
Are there common mistakes when using prepositions of instrument?
Yes, students often confuse prepositions of instrument with other types. A common mistake is incorrectly using "by" instead of "with," as in "He wrote the letter by pen" (correct) versus "He wrote the letter with pen" (incorrect).
How can I improve my understanding of prepositions of instrument?
Practice by identifying and using these prepositions in sentences. Reading widely, especially texts that use formal language, can also enhance your comprehension.