MCQHard1 mark
2(ii)
Choose the correct option to fill in the blanks:
Many species of insects were wiped __________ when the jungle was cleared.
Topic: Phrasal verbs
Previous-year question practice database
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Pick an option and check your answer. The full worked answer is below either way.
Answer
Exam answer
(d) off.
Explanation
The phrasal verb here is WIPED OFF, meaning completely destroyed or eliminated.
Note that WIPED OUT carries almost exactly the same meaning and is arguably the more common expression for the destruction of a species, so option (b) is defensible; the printed key gives "off". Both are idiomatic English.
The family of phrasal verbs built on "wipe" is worth learning whole: wipe off / wipe out — destroy completely wipe away — remove something by wiping (wipe away tears) wipe down — clean a surface Option (a) "of" is not a particle that combines with "wipe" at all.
In words
off.
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