Linguaskill English Usage Practice — All Questions

Costs rose sharply; ___, the company still made a small profit. Which connector fits best?

• a.however✓
• b.therefore
• c.furthermore
• d.so

There is a contrast between rising costs and still making a profit, so 'however' is correct. 'Therefore' and 'so' show result, and 'furthermore' adds information.

The launch was delayed ___ a shortage of components. Which phrase fits best?

• a.so that
• b.in order to
• c.due to✓
• d.although

'Due to' introduces a cause expressed as a noun phrase ('a shortage of components'). 'Although' needs a full clause, and the other options express purpose, not cause.

The team is responsible ___ managing the company's social media accounts. Which preposition fits?

• a.of
• b.to
• c.on
• d.for✓

The adjective 'responsible' is followed by 'for' when naming the duty. 'Responsible of', 'responsible to', and 'responsible on' are not the correct pattern here.

We should focus ___ improving customer retention this quarter. Which preposition fits?

• a.at
• b.on✓
• c.in
• d.to

The verb 'focus' takes the preposition 'on'. 'Focus on' something is the fixed pairing; the other prepositions do not follow 'focus'.