1. According to the new policy, all official requests for information must be made ______ to ensure there is a record.

2. The wealthy businessman was kept ______ for over a month until the ransom was finally paid.

3. I am paying off my new car ______ because I couldn't afford to pay the full price at once.

4. The country’s economy is still ______ due to the high inflation and lack of foreign investment.

5. Thanks to the hard-working team, the construction project was completed ______ and under budget.

6. I have to take the bus to work because my car is ______ at the mechanic's at the moment.

7. After failing to reach a private agreement, he decided to settle his insurance claim ______.

8. The cost of living is rising so fast; don’t you think inflation is getting ______?

9. The whole building was ______ by the time the fire brigade arrived, making it impossible to save.

10. Why don’t you ______ your mother ______ and surprise her with a nice chat this evening?

11. The bank manager was busy when I called, but he said he would ______ after lunch.

12. All the outdoor celebrations were ______ immediately after the news of the tragic accident was announced.

13. I heard someone ______ my name from a distance, but I couldn't see who it was in the fog.

14. I ______ the office to pick up my laptop before coming here to meet you for dinner.

15. ______ please! I’m at a noisy station and I can’t hear a word you’re saying.

16. They look exactly the same; I could never ______ the two identical twins ______ without looking at their name tags.

17. Joe is very excited about the trip; he said to ______ him ______ for this weekend’s fishing expedition.

18. Since he has a broken leg, I guess we will have to ______ Dave ______ of tomorrow’s football match.

19. Rob is very lucky because he can always ______ his brother to help him whenever he has trouble.

20. In next month’s athletics meeting, I will be competing ______ the gold medal ______ my arch-rival, Gary Flash.

21. My doctor was quite annoyed ______ me when I told her I wasn’t taking my medication regularly.

22. Leone is not sure ______ her new job offer because the salary is lower than she expected.

23. I was bored ______ all the advice the teachers felt obliged to give us on the first day back at school.

24. Erica was absolutely certain ______ what she saw that night, even though it was very dark.

25. Dan and Carole are a lovely couple because they’re so suitable ______ each other in every way.