Subject

English Grammar

English grammar is the structure of expressions in the English language. This includes the structure of words, phrases, clauses and sentences. There are certain differences in grammar between the standard forms of British English, American English and Australian English, although these are inconspicuous compared with the lexical and pronunciation differences.

Quizzes in English Grammar for HSC

Idioms & Phrases

What does the phrase Have a vested interest in mean in standard English?

To hurt, wound, or make a successful attack in argument
To have a personal stake or benefit in something
To demand an explanation or hold someone responsible
Through spoken recommendation or information
Central to the main issue or problem

Correct answer(s):

To have a personal stake or benefit in something

Idioms & Phrases

Choose the correct meaning of Have feet of clay.

To obey or be controlled by someone else
To have a hidden weakness despite an admirable image
To harm or criticize someone who helps or supports you
To become no longer popular or common

Correct answer(s):

To have a hidden weakness despite an admirable image

Idioms & Phrases

In English grammar, how should Have one’s back to the wall be understood?

To be in a difficult situation with very few choices
A clear practical example or warning
An issue based on a moral rule or firm belief
A mysterious quality or feeling

Correct answer(s):

To be in a difficult situation with very few choices

Idioms & Phrases

Which option gives the closest meaning of Have the courage of one’s convictions?

To act according to one’s beliefs despite pressure
To avoid discussing or hide something unpleasant
After taking all facts and circumstances into account
To fail completely or produce no result
An urgent effort to finish something before a deadline

Correct answer(s):

To act according to one's beliefs despite pressure

Idioms & Phrases

For HSC English, what is the meaning of Hold a brief for?

To have a natural talent for something
To support or defend a person, idea, or cause
To be received very successfully or enthusiastically
A small and unimportant part of a large system

Correct answer(s):

To support or defend a person, idea, or cause

Idioms & Phrases

Identify the correct meaning of the expression Hold in abeyance.

A difficult and complicated problem
A very large and sudden improvement or change
To stop supporting a group and act independently
To suspend or postpone something temporarily

Correct answer(s):

To suspend or postpone something temporarily

Idioms & Phrases

What idea is expressed by Hold one’s breath?

A collection of false statements
To wait anxiously or expectantly
As an extra addition
To begin to understand or deal with a difficult matter
To emphasize a point strongly and repeatedly

Correct answer(s):

To wait anxiously or expectantly

Idioms & Phrases

Select the best explanation of Hold sway.

A disapproving or negative opinion about something
Because of someone’s request or order
To have power, control, or influence
To apply influence or force to make someone act

Correct answer(s):

To have power, control, or influence

Idioms & Phrases

Which answer explains In a class of one’s own correctly?

To begin to understand or deal with a difficult matter
Very severe competition in which people may act ruthlessly
A general practical method based on experience rather than exact calculation
Much better than others of the same type

Correct answer(s):

Much better than others of the same type

Idioms & Phrases

What does the phrase Fill the bill mean in standard English?

Hidden from public view or not openly known
To be suitable for a need or purpose
To avoid something because of fear, reluctance, or dislike
To try any small hope when desperate

Correct answer(s):

To be suitable for a need or purpose

Idioms & Phrases

What idea is expressed by Go the way of all flesh?

To understand something after thought or investigation
To die or disappear like all living things
A starting point for discussion, study, or change
By honest or dishonest methods

Correct answer(s):

To die or disappear like all living things

Idioms & Phrases

Choose the correct meaning of Follow in someone’s footsteps.

Because of the request or command of someone
A general practical method based on experience rather than exact calculation
Basically or fundamentally
To do the same work or follow the same path as someone else

Correct answer(s):

To do the same work or follow the same path as someone else

Idioms & Phrases

Select the best explanation of Hammer home.

During the most intense or advanced stage of something
A result that is certain before it happens
To emphasize a point strongly and repeatedly
A very large and sudden improvement or change
Very severe competition in which people may act ruthlessly

Correct answer(s):

To emphasize a point strongly and repeatedly

Idioms & Phrases

In English grammar, how should For all practical purposes be understood?

A general practical method based on experience rather than exact calculation
To receive unfair or worse treatment
In effect; almost completely
By any possible means
Something done only to achieve a larger purpose

Correct answer(s):

In effect; almost completely

Idioms & Phrases

Which answer explains Hang by a thread correctly?

To be in a very uncertain or dangerous state
To give little attention, sympathy, or consideration
Through spoken recommendation or information
A hidden and embarrassing secret from the past

Correct answer(s):

To be in a very uncertain or dangerous state

Idioms & Phrases

Which option gives the closest meaning of For good measure?

An act that breaks confidence, honesty, or responsibility
An urgent effort to finish something before a deadline
As an extra addition
A victory that brings little satisfaction or real benefit

Correct answer(s):

As an extra addition

Idioms & Phrases

Which meaning best matches the idiom Have a flair for?

From something excellent or serious to something absurd
Trouble, conflict, or danger is developing
To have a natural talent for something
A victory that brings little satisfaction or real benefit

Correct answer(s):

To have a natural talent for something

Idioms & Phrases

For HSC English, what is the meaning of For once and for all?

Hidden from public view or not openly known
A final desperate attempt to solve a problem or avoid failure
A personal benefit or strong stake in an outcome
Finally and permanently

Correct answer(s):

Finally and permanently

Idioms & Phrases

Identify the correct meaning of the expression For the sake of argument.

To allow complete freedom to act or express something
Outside acceptable limits of behavior
An urgent effort to finish something before a deadline
To demand an explanation or hold someone responsible
To discuss a point hypothetically

Correct answer(s):

To discuss a point hypothetically

Idioms & Phrases

What idea is expressed by From the sublime to the ridiculous?

From something excellent or serious to something absurd
After a quick look
To avoid discussing or hide something unpleasant
A decisive moment that tests a person, plan, or situation

Correct answer(s):

From something excellent or serious to something absurd