Over the past few years the cost of living _______________considerably.

Although there were only five athletes ____ in the race, it was a rather exciting one.

- What's up? You didn't pick up the phone just now. - I'm sorry that I     dancing with music on, but it's done now.

This memorial hall ______late in the 1930s in memory of this famous writer.

To our surprise, Mary didn’t feel a bit nervous though it’s the first time she _____ in public.