meaning of sheer

[Lianka]

Business English Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #565 "Cyber-criminals and Cyber-crime", question 1

For the past several years we have seen a big change in cyber-crime; although the ......... number of crimes has risen considerably substantially, that is not the complete story.

(a) sharp
(b) sheer
(c) stark
(d) straight

Business English Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #565 "Cyber-criminals and Cyber-crime", answer 1

For the past several years we have seen a big change in cyber-crime; although the sheer number of crimes has risen considerably substantially, that is not the complete story.

Correct answer: (b) sheer
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why??

Lianka

[Mister Micawber]

.
Only 'sheer' (= unqualified; utter) collocates meaningfully with 'numbers' here.
.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's