under dispute vs. in dispute

[Disputy]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #654 "Prepositional Phrases - In, On, Out and Under (27)", question 1

The fact that I bought a stereo with my credit card is still ......... dispute. I told the credit card company that I never purchased a stereo and they are now reviewing the transaction for fraud.

(a) in
(b) on
(c) out
(d) under

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #654 "Prepositional Phrases - In, On, Out and Under (27)", answer 1

The fact that I bought a stereo with my credit card is still in dispute. I told the credit card company that I never purchased a stereo and they are now reviewing the transaction for fraud.

Correct answer: (a) in
_________________________

Why the prepostion 'under' is not correct. For instance, the building is under construction but similarly can't it also be 'in construction'? Is there a definitite pattern to use prepositions or is it predetermined without any logic applied to it?

[Mister Micawber]

Each English noun takes different prepositions. There is no rule that because one noun takes 'in' and 'under', another noun will take the same prepositions. Each collocation must be learnt individually.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's