Use the prepositions onto, on

[Lost_Soul]

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #105 "Synonyms for exchange", question 5

Don't you ever try to ......... the blame on me again, please!

(a) move
(b) shift
(c) exchange
(d) switch

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #105 "Synonyms for exchange", answer 5

Don't you ever try to shift the blame on me again, please!

Correct answer: (b) shift

Your answer was: correct
_________________________

Hi, Alan

I saw this sentence "Don't try to shift the blame onto anyone else"

Here is used the preposition "onto", but in your sentence the preposition is just "on".

Is the sentence with "onto" correct too?

[Canadian45]

My opinion is that "shift the blame onto" is not correct too; it is the only correct way.
I would say that none of the offered answers are good because they all involve moving the blame. The blame is moved/shifted/switched from one person onto another. (not "from one person on another'')

The way the question is written, correct answers would be words like put, place and pin.

Sorry, I just noticed that you asked Alan to answer but since I already gave you my answer I won't erase it.

[Bhikkhu1991a]

Hello,

Canadian45 reported the preposition was wrong in the sentence of this Question 5 in 2006. Since then, the preposition has not been corrected. According to Canadian45's explanation, the preposition "onto" is in accordance with Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary online (http://www.oxfordadvancedlearnersdictionary.com/dictionary/shift). Could you please look into this matter as soon as possible?