Pick out the most effective word from the given word to fill in the blank to…
2023
Pick out the most effective word from the given word to fill in the blank to make the sentence meaningfully complete.
Many species of insects were wiped _______ when the jungle was cleared.
- A.
of
- B.
away
- C.
off
- D.
out
Attempted by 79 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct answer: out
Explanation – The phrasal verb "wipe out" means to destroy completely or exterminate. This fits the context of species being eliminated when their habitat is removed.
Correct sentence: Many species of insects were wiped out when the jungle was cleared.
of — Incorrect: "wiped of" is not a standard phrase and does not form the required phrasal verb.
away — Not ideal: "wiped away" is used for removing small things (like dust or tears) or reducing amounts, not for exterminating species.
off — Incorrect: "wiped off" usually means removing something from a surface, not destroying populations or species.
out — Correct: "wipe out" correctly conveys complete destruction or extermination.
Tip: When a verb + preposition combination expresses total destruction or elimination in environmental/extinction contexts, "wipe out" is the natural collocation.