Mr. Edward was not in, so his brother acted as （）at the party.

I don't know who on（）stole the diamond last night.

The noise of the traffic（）Paul from his work.

I just managed to（）a quick breath before I was pulled under the water by the passing boats.

I could not persuade him to accept it,（）make him see the importance of it.

The weakening housing market continued to take its（）on the industry.

He never（）to read the news but turned at once to the crossword puzzle on the last page.

People appreciate（）with him because he has a good sense of humor.

I expected a bigger payment, but I suppose you have to be（）for small mercies.

The price they offered for my old car was so low that I（）it down.