Prepositions Gap Filling Exercise

Fill in the blanks with an appropriate preposition.

It is true – too much time spent in front of the TV can be harmful ………………….. (with / to) you. But that may not be the only reason …………………….. (of / for) shortsightedness and other problems ………………….. (with / for / at) vision. In fact, it may not be a reason …………………. (in / at) all. An Australian study suggests that it is a lack of exposure …………………….. (to / for / at) sunlight that damages children’s eyesight.

Researchers behind the study said that children can avoid becoming shortsighted …………………… (by / with) spending a minimum of two to three hours …………………. (in / on) direct sunlight each day. Exposure …………………… (in / to) bright light helps regulate the eyeball’s growth in childhood, thereby dramatically reducing the risk ………………….. (with / of) myopia. The researchers substantiate their claim by pointing out the fact that shortsightedness was traditionally a problem …………………… (among / between) the highly educated who spent a lot of time indoors.

 Answers

It is true – too much time spent in front of the TV can be harmful to you. But that may not be the only reason for shortsightedness and other problems with vision. In fact, it may not be a reason at all. An Australian study suggests that it is a lack of exposure to sunlight that damages children’s eyesight.

Researchers behind the study said that children can avoid becoming shortsighted by spending a minimum of two to three hours in direct sunlight each day. Exposure to bright light helps regulate the eyeball’s growth in childhood, thereby dramatically reducing the risk of myopia. The researchers substantiate their claim by pointing out the fact that shortsightedness was traditionally a problem among the highly educated who spent a lot of time indoors.