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Cae Use Of English – Quiz 1
Cae Use Of English Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of degree modifiers, future tense indications, idiomatic expressions, metaphorical usage, passive voice consistency, and preposition selection based on contextual fit. It covers academic knowledge in English grammar and is designed to enhance comprehension and application skills.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Moreover, this brought rapid travel within the ..... of ordinary people.
A) Reach.
B) Capacity.
C) Facility.
D) Hold.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Reach.
The phrase "brought rapid travel within the reach of ordinary people" means that transportation became accessible to a wider population, allowing common individuals to travel quickly and easily. This option best captures the idea of accessibility.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Reach - Indicates accessibility or availability.
Option B:
Capacity - Refers to the ability to hold or contain, not relevant here.
Option C:
Facility - Suggests a place or means for doing something, but does not fit the context of accessibility as well as "reach."
Option D:
Hold - Implies to carry or support, irrelevant in this context.
2.
As in any period, piracy in the ancient world flourished when there was a lack of central control, and in areas beyond the (6) ..... ? of major powers such as the Egyptians, the Assyrians or the Mycenaean Greeks. The first known pirate group was the Lukkans, a group of sea raiders based on the south-eastern coast of Asia Minor.
A) Reach.
B) Limits.
C) Frontier.
D) Horizon.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Reach.
The term "reach" in this context refers to the extent or range of influence and control that major powers such as the Egyptians, Assyrians, or Mycenaean Greeks had over their territories. Areas beyond their reach were often more susceptible to piracy due to the lack of central control.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Reach - Correct term indicating the extent of major powers' influence.
Option B:
Limits - Too vague and not specific enough in this context.
Option C:
Frontier - While related, it typically refers to a border or boundary rather than the range of control.
Option D:
Horizon - Metaphorical for possibilities but not accurate here.
3.
Class of gallant heroes engaging in larger-than-life struggles, their (4) ..... ? wander to faraway lands, to somehow familiar yet different destinations.
A) Spirits.
B) Brains.
C) Heads.
D) Minds.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Minds.
The phrase "their minds wander" implies a mental journey, which fits the context of heroes engaging in struggles and traveling to unfamiliar yet familiar places. This usage aligns with the idea of mental exploration or contemplation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Spirits - Implies a supernatural element rather than a mental journey.
Option B:
Brains - Too literal and less poetic for this context.
Option C:
Heads - Informal term, not as fitting in formal writing or poetry.
Option D:
Minds - Correct choice indicating a mental journey or contemplation.
4.
I wish he would stop critising my workI wish he would stop ..... my work. (FAULT)
A) I wish he would stop fault my work.
B) I wish he would stop doing fault in my work.
C) I wish he would stop finding fault in my work.
D) I wish he would stop making fault in my work.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) I wish he would stop finding fault in my work.
This option uses the phrase "finding fault," which accurately conveys the act of criticizing or pointing out errors, making it the most appropriate choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Fault" is used as a verb without an object, and the sentence structure is incomplete.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Doing fault in" is not a standard English phrase for criticism or error-finding.
Option C:
Correct. "Finding fault in" is a common idiom meaning to criticize or point out errors, making it the most appropriate choice.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Making fault in" does not convey the intended meaning of criticism effectively.
5.
He's been under the weather all week.
A) Below the weather.
B) Under the weather.
C) Beneath the weather.
D) Off the weather.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Under the weather" is a common idiom meaning to be ill or unwell, which directly matches the context of "He's been under the weather all week." This phrase is correctly used in Option B.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Below the weather. Incorrect as it does not convey the intended meaning.
Option B:
Under the weather. Correct idiom for being unwell.
Option C:
Beneath the weather. Incorrect, similar to Option A in meaning and usage.
Option D:
Off the weather. Not a recognized phrase or idiom.
6.
She was taken aback by his sudden resignation.
A) Taken down.
B) Taken out.
C) Taken aback.
D) Taken over.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Taken aback" is the correct answer because it accurately describes the reaction of "She" to his sudden resignation. This phrase means to be surprised or caught off guard, which fits the context perfectly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Taken down - Incorrect. This phrase does not relate to being surprised by a resignation.
Option B:
Taken out - Incorrect. This phrase does not describe a reaction to news or events.
Option C:
Taken aback - Correct. This means to be surprised or caught off guard, fitting the context of her reaction to his sudden resignation.
Option D:
Taken over - Incorrect. This phrase implies taking control or possession, which does not fit the context of a surprise reaction.
7.
If a mouse approaches the mousetrap, a transmitter ..... to it sends a signal to your mobile phone.
A) United.
B) Enclosed.
C) Attached.
D) Collated.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Attached" is the correct answer because it accurately describes how a transmitter would be connected to the mousetrap in order to send signals to your mobile phone. The other options do not fit logically: "United" implies a connection but does not describe attachment; "Enclosed" suggests something inside another object, which doesn't make sense here; and "Collated" means gathered or collected, unrelated to physical attachment.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
United - Implies a connection but does not describe attachment.
Option B:
Enclosed - Suggests something inside another object, which doesn't make sense here.
Option C:
Attached - Correctly describes the physical connection needed for signal transmission.
Option D:
Collated - Means gathered or collected, unrelated to physical attachment.
8.
The sleeper ..... programmes the alarm clock on their mobile phone, plugs it into a socket on the duvet or pillow and is woken at the correct time.
A) Purely.
B) Simply.
C) Plainly.
D) Uniquely.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "simply" is the correct choice as it accurately conveys that the action of setting an alarm clock on a mobile phone and placing it under a duvet or pillow to wake up at the right time is straightforward and uncomplicated. It fits naturally in the context without any need for additional adverbs.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Purely" suggests something done exclusively, which does not fit the context of a simple action.
Option B:
"Simply" correctly indicates that the process is straightforward and easy to understand or perform.
Option C:
"Plainly" means clearly or simply but often in a literal sense, which does not capture the nuance of simplicity as well as "simply."
Option D:
"Uniquely" suggests something being one-of-a-kind, which is not relevant to describing the action.
9.
Although the rugged Highlands (7) ..... ? about two-thirds of the land area, the
A) Take in.
B) Take off.
C) Take out.
D) Take up.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "take up" is the correct choice here because it means to occupy or cover a space, which fits well with the context of land area in the Highlands. The sentence suggests that despite the Highlands occupying about two-thirds of the land area, something else might be true regarding this region.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Take in" means to absorb or include, which doesn't fit the context of land coverage.
Option B:
"Take off" is used for starting a journey or gaining popularity, neither of which applies here.
Option C:
"Take out" implies removing something, which does not make sense in this context.
Option D:
"Take up" correctly means to occupy or cover, fitting the sentence structure and meaning.
10.
Not only ..... bad, but the sports facilities were not as you stated in the brochure.
A) Was the food.
B) The food was.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence structure requires a clause that begins with "not only" and follows the same pattern as the second part of the sentence, which is in passive voice. The correct continuation should also be in passive voice to maintain grammatical consistency. Option A ("Was the food.") fits this requirement by starting with "was," making it consistent with the structure of the second clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Starts with "was" to match the passive voice in the second part.
Option B:
Incorrect. Begins with a verb form that doesn't fit the sentence structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option suggests all options are correct, which is false.
Option D:
Incorrect. The statement in the second part of the sentence is accurate and does not require any other answer.
11.
The great steam locomotives that thundered across the landwere the jet airliners of their ..... , carrying passengers in comfort over vast distances in unimaginably short times.
A) Phase.
B) Day.
C) Stage.
D) Date.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Day.
The phrase "jet airliners of their day" is a common idiom used to compare similar technologies from different eras, emphasizing that both the steam locomotives and jet airliners served as advanced transportation methods during their respective times. This comparison highlights how each was revolutionary in its era.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Phase - Incorrect; a phase refers to a stage or period of time, but it doesn't fit the context of comparing technologies.
Option B:
Day - Correct; "of their day" is an idiomatic expression meaning during that particular era or time period.
Option C:
Stage - Incorrect; while similar to phase, stage in this context doesn't convey the sense of a specific historical period as well as "day."
Option D:
Date - Incorrect; date refers to a specific point in time and does not fit the comparative nature of the sentence.
12.
Some of his single-lens microscopes were able to magnify up to three hundred times the object's (7) ..... ? size, and around 1660 he began serious study using these instruments.
A) Present.
B) Actual.
C) Substantial.
D) Current.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Actual.
The word "actual" fits well in the context of describing the true size of an object being magnified by a microscope. It accurately conveys that the size referred to is the real or genuine size, not some other kind of size.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Present - Incorrect. "Present" does not fit grammatically in this context.
Option B:
Actual - Correct. "Actual" accurately describes the true or genuine size of the object being magnified.
Option C:
Substantial - Incorrect. "Substantial" implies a significant amount, which does not fit the precise meaning required here.
Option D:
Current - Incorrect. "Current" refers to the present time and is not appropriate in this context.
13.
I'm really looking forward to meeting you in person.
A) Looking onward to.
B) Looking ahead to.
C) Looking into.
D) Looking forward to.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Looking forward to.
This phrase is the most appropriate and commonly used expression in English to indicate anticipation of a future event, such as meeting someone. It maintains grammatical correctness and natural flow.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Looking onward to" is not a standard English phrase and does not convey the intended meaning.
Option B:
"Looking ahead to" could be correct in some contexts, but it is less precise than "looking forward to" for this specific scenario.
Option C:
"Looking into" implies investigation or examination rather than anticipation of a future event.
Option D:
"Looking forward to" is the correct and most natural phrase for expressing eagerness about an upcoming meeting.
14.
Did you have the chance ..... to know any Native Americans when you were living in the States?
A) Of getting.
B) To get.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) To get.
The phrase "Did you have the chance to know any Native Americans" uses the infinitive form "to know," which is appropriate in this context as it introduces a purpose or intention. The infinitive "to get" fits grammatically and semantically, making it a valid choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Of getting" is not the correct form to use here; it should be an infinitive.
Option B:
Correct. Uses the appropriate infinitive form "to get."
Option C:
"All the above" is incorrect because only one option (B) is correct.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect as Option B is valid.
15.
The horse did have something more to offer. It had the potential to bring about nothing less than a revolution (8) ..... ? power and transport, a dramatic development that transformed the ability of humans to wage war.
A) On.
B) At.
C) In.
D) For.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "in" is correct here because the sentence suggests that the horse's potential led to a significant change in how humans waged war, implying an overall transformation within the context of warfare capabilities.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
On - Incorrect. "On" does not fit grammatically or contextually.
Option B:
At - Incorrect. "At" is too specific and doesn't fit the broader transformation implied in the sentence.
Option C:
In - Correct. Fits both grammatically and contextually, indicating a broad change within warfare capabilities.
Option D:
For - Incorrect. "For" does not properly connect the idea of revolution to the subsequent clause about power and transport.
16.
Which collocation does not fit with the verb;MAKE
A) Your best.
B) A mistake.
C) Plans.
D) A noise.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "make" is typically used with certain nouns and phrases that indicate creation, production, or the establishment of something. Among the options provided:
-
Option A: Your best.
This collocation fits well as in "make your best effort."
-
Option B: A mistake.
This also fits naturally as in "make a mistake."
-
Option C: Plans.
This is correct too, as in "make plans."
-
Option D: A noise.
While not the most common usage, it can fit in phrases like "make a noise," though less frequently used compared to other options.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Fits with "make your best effort."
Option B:
Fits with "make a mistake."
Option C:
Fits with "make plans."
Option D:
Fits with "make a noise," though less common.
17.
They finally came to terms with the loss of their home.
A) Came up to terms with.
B) Came in terms with.
C) Came to terms with.
D) Came along with.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "came to terms with" is the correct usage in this context, as it means they accepted and dealt with their loss of home. This option accurately conveys that they have reached an understanding or agreement about a difficult situation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Came up to terms with - Incorrect phrasing.
Option B:
Came in terms with - Grammatically incorrect and not idiomatic.
Option C:
Came to terms with - Correct usage, meaning they accepted the situation.
Option D:
Came along with - Incorrect phrasing, does not fit the context of accepting a loss.
18.
He got into a trouble ..... spreading of false rumours among the colleagues.
A) On the grounds.
B) On the grounds that.
C) On the grounds of.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) On the grounds of.
This phrase is used to introduce a reason or justification for an action or statement, which fits well in this context where the trouble was caused by spreading false rumours among colleagues. The other options do not fit grammatically or semantically.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"On the grounds" is incomplete and does not properly introduce a reason.
Option B:
"On the grounds that" introduces a clause, which is unnecessary here as no additional clause follows.
Option C:
"On the grounds of" correctly introduces the reason for the trouble.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect since option C is valid.
19.
To talk to me like this was ..... rude of him.
A) Entirely.
B) Utterly.
C) Entirely.
D) Extremely.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Extremely" is the correct choice as it conveys a very strong degree of rudeness, fitting well with the context of the sentence which implies a high level of impoliteness in how someone spoke to you.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Entirely" suggests complete or total, but doesn't fit as precisely for describing the degree of rudeness.
Option B:
"Utterly" is very close in meaning to "extremely," but "extremely" better matches the context here.
Option C:
"Entirely" (repeated) for the same reason as Option A.
Option D:
"Extremely" is the most appropriate choice, indicating a high degree of rudeness.
20.
It was based upon the principle that light could be "(2) ..... ?" or bent, by a glass lens.
A) Retorted.
B) Retracted.
C) Refracted.
D) Retraced.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Refracted.
Light passing through a glass lens changes direction due to the change in its speed as it moves from one medium to another, which is known as refraction. This principle explains how lenses focus or disperse light.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Retorted means to reply angrily or to contradict someone, unrelated to light behavior.
Option B:
Retracted means to withdraw or pull back, also not related to the bending of light.
Option C:
Refracted is correct as it describes how light changes direction when passing through a lens.
Option D:
Retraced means to go over again or repeat, which does not describe the behavior of light in lenses.
21.
Everybody who ..... here ..... a good salary
A) Work / get.
B) Works / gets.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B "Works / gets" is correct because it maintains subject-verb agreement and proper tense consistency in the sentence. "Everybody" is singular, so the verb should also be singular ("works"). The second part of the sentence uses the third-person singular form of the verb "get" to match with "works".
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect due to improper subject-verb agreement and tense consistency.
Option B:
Correct for maintaining proper subject-verb agreement and tense consistency.
Option C:
Incorrect as it suggests both options are correct, which is not the case based on grammar rules.
Option D:
Incorrect because option B is indeed a valid answer.
22.
Why not go to Scotland? But what kind of country are they coming to and what should they expect once they get there? Scotland (5) ..... ? of an area of 30, 418 square miles-so it's a fairly compact and "doable" country-with a population of about five million people-not too small, not too big.
A) Embraces.
B) Consists.
C) Includes.
D) Comprises.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Consists of" is the correct choice here because it accurately describes how Scotland's area and population make up its characteristics. "Comprises," while related, typically implies that something includes parts or elements, which isn't the focus in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Embraces - This verb means to accept or welcome, not to describe area and population.
Option B:
Consists - Correct. It accurately describes the composition of Scotland's characteristics.
Option C:
Includes - While it can be used in a broad sense, "consists" is more precise for describing the core elements that make up an entity like a country.
Option D:
Comprises - This implies including parts or elements, which isn't the focus here.
23.
I could see other ..... students waiting for the exam.
A) Fellow.
B) Peer.
C) Companion.
D) Colleague.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "fellow" is correct because it refers to another student of the same status, which fits well in the context of waiting for an exam with other students who are peers.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Fellow - Correct. It means a fellow student or colleague.
Option B:
Peer - Incorrect. While it is close, "fellow" better fits the context of students waiting for an exam.
Option C:
Companion - Incorrect. This implies someone who accompanies you, not necessarily a student in the same situation.
Option D:
Colleague - Incorrect. This term is typically used for people working together professionally, not students waiting for an exam.
24.
Previously, many people had never ventured ..... the outskirts of their towns and villages.
A) Further.
B) Over.
C) Beyond.
D) Above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Beyond" is the correct answer because it accurately conveys that people had never traveled to areas outside their immediate localities, emphasizing a significant distance or extent.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Further" can also be used in some contexts but does not fit as well with the idea of venturing out completely.
Option B:
"Over" implies a physical movement across something, which is less precise for this context.
Option C:
"Beyond" correctly indicates going past or surpassing a limit, fitting well with the idea of venturing out to places far from home.
Option D:
"Above" suggests being in a higher position but does not convey the sense of traveling to distant areas.
25.
The typeface that a document uses also ..... how much of the information is ..... and whether it is worth taking seriously.
A) Rules, accumulated.
B) Influences, retained.
C) Guides, preserved.
D) Dominates, gathered.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Influences, retained.
This option accurately captures the idea that the typeface of a document can affect how much information is perceived and understood by the reader, thereby influencing whether the content is deemed worth taking seriously. The verb "influences" appropriately conveys the impact of font choice on perception, while "retained" suggests the lasting impression or understanding of the text.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Rules, accumulated." This option does not fit well because it introduces concepts unrelated to the typeface's influence on information retention and seriousness.
Option B:
"Influences, retained." Correct. It accurately describes how font choice impacts perception and understanding of a document.
Option C:
"Guides, preserved." While "preserved" could relate to the content's longevity, it does not as effectively convey the impact on reader perception compared to "retained."
Option D:
"Dominates, gathered." "Dominates" is too strong and implies a more controlling role than what is intended. "Gathered" suggests collecting information rather than retaining or understanding it.
26.
The manager spoke highly of her team's performance.
A) Greatly of.
B) Highly of.
C) Greatly about.
D) Highly about.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Highly of.
The phrase "spoke highly of" is a common idiomatic expression in English, meaning to praise or commend someone or something. Here, the manager is praising her team's performance.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Greatly of" is incorrect because "greatly" does not fit naturally with "of" in this context.
Option B:
"Highly of" is correct as it properly conveys the meaning of praising or commending.
Option C:
"Greatly about" would imply talking extensively about something, not specifically praising it.
Option D:
"Highly about" is incorrect because "highly" does not fit naturally with "about" in this context.
27.
What we see here on earth, mostly at night, is a (6) ..... ? of light that lasts about a half a second on the .....
A) Strip.
B) Streak.
C) Smear.
D) Slash.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Streak.
A streak of light that lasts about a half second refers to the brief, linear appearance of light often seen in the night sky, such as from a meteor or a lightning flash. This term accurately describes the quick, fleeting nature of the phenomenon.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Strip - Implies a longer, continuous band of light, not a brief appearance.
Option B:
Streak - Correctly captures the brief, linear nature of the light display.
Option C:
Smear - Suggests a spread or blur, which does not fit the quick, sharp appearance described.
Option D:
Slash - While it can imply a short line, "streak" is more commonly used for this context in English.
28.
Covid-19 pandemic has ..... out for months, I think I am going bonkers!
A) Prevented me from going.
B) Prevented me of going.
C) Prevent me from going.
D) Prevented me to go.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Prevented me from going.
The phrase "has prevented" in the context of a continuous action over time (months) requires the use of the preposition "from." This construction indicates that the pandemic has stopped or hindered an action, which fits well with the idea of not being able to go somewhere due to the ongoing situation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses "from" after "prevented," indicating a continuous action over time.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Prevented me of going" is not grammatically correct in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Prevent me from going" does not fit the tense required for an ongoing situation (months).
Option D:
Incorrect. "Prevented me to go" uses "to," which is incorrect for indicating a continuous action over time.
29.
They first appeared in the 14th century BC, when Egyptian scribes recorded that they raided Cyprus, (8) ..... ? there are suggestions that their piratical activities started earlier.
A) Despite.
B) Because.
C) Although.
D) Or.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence suggests a contrast between the recorded appearance of these entities in the 14th century BC and their possible earlier existence. "Although" introduces this contrast, indicating that despite the recorded start, there are suggestions they began even earlier. This aligns with the use of "although" to show a concession or contrast.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Despite - Incorrect; does not introduce a contrast.
Option B:
Because - Incorrect; implies causation, not contrast.
Option C:
Although - Correct; introduces the contrast needed in the sentence.
Option D:
Or - Incorrect; does not fit grammatically or contextually.
30.
HorsesHorses and donkeys were (1) ..... ? comparatively late compared with other animals, probably around 4000 BC in Western Asia.
A) Trained.
B) Tamed.
C) Domesticated.
D) Accustomed.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The term "domesticated" is the most accurate choice here because it refers to the process of adapting animals for human use, which includes horses and donkeys in this context. The sentence suggests that these animals were brought under human control and used for various purposes, a process known as domestication.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Trained implies teaching an animal to perform specific tasks, but does not necessarily mean the animal was adapted for human use over time.
Option B:
Tamed suggests a reduction in fear or aggression towards humans, which is a step before full domestication but does not encompass all aspects of adapting animals for regular use by humans.
Option C:
Domesticated correctly describes the process where horses and donkeys were adapted for human use over time, likely around 4000 BC in Western Asia as mentioned in the sentence.
Option D:
Accustomed means to get used to something but does not imply a change in behavior or adaptation for human use, which is key in this context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cae Use of English section about?
The Cae Use of English section focuses on testing your ability to use correct grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure in context. It evaluates how well you can apply these skills to improve written communication.
How does the principle of refraction relate to Use of English?
The principle of refraction, while not directly related to Use of English, can be used as an analogy to explain how words and phrases bend or change meaning based on their context. This concept helps in understanding how different grammatical structures affect the overall sentence structure.
What is the importance of using adverbs correctly?
Using adverbs correctly is crucial as they modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to describe degrees of actions or states. Proper use enhances clarity and precision in writing, making your sentences more effective.
How can idiomatic expressions be used effectively?
Idiomatic expressions add color and variety to language. They are commonly used in informal writing and speech, making your communication more natural and engaging. However, their use should be appropriate for the context to avoid misunderstandings.
What is the purpose of prepositional phrases?
Prepositional phrases provide additional information about time, place, direction, or manner in sentences. They help to clarify relationships between different parts of a sentence and enhance the descriptive quality of your writing.