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

Idioms & Phrases

What does the phrase Dance to someone’s tune mean in standard English?

An insult, rejection, or painful disappointment
To obey or be controlled by someone else
As an extra addition
To suspend or postpone something temporarily
A risky action taken without knowing the result

Correct answer(s):

To obey or be controlled by someone else

Idioms & Phrases

Identify the correct meaning of the expression Call to account.

As an extra addition
To be in a very uncertain or dangerous state
As a result of something
With very little warning or preparation time
To demand an explanation or hold someone responsible

Correct answer(s):

To demand an explanation or hold someone responsible

Idioms & Phrases

Choose the correct meaning of Dead in the water.

Between two equally dangerous or difficult choices
To unite in support or defense of a group
Unable to continue, work, or succeed
From very near or in close contact

Correct answer(s):

Unable to continue, work, or succeed

Idioms & Phrases

What idea is expressed by Carry conviction?

Automatically because no other choice is made
To sound convincing or believable
A very large and sudden improvement or change
Something done only to achieve a larger purpose

Correct answer(s):

To sound convincing or believable

Idioms & Phrases

In English grammar, how should Draw a veil over be understood?

A risky action taken without knowing the result
To avoid discussing or hide something unpleasant
Because of someone’s request or order
Through spoken recommendation or information

Correct answer(s):

To avoid discussing or hide something unpleasant

Idioms & Phrases

Select the best explanation of Cast a long shadow.

To obey or be controlled by someone else
To expose a hidden scandal, secret, or truth
Something ugly or unpleasant that spoils an otherwise attractive place
To have a lasting and powerful influence

Correct answer(s):

To have a lasting and powerful influence

Idioms & Phrases

Which option gives the closest meaning of Draw blood?

To hurt, wound, or make a successful attack in argument
A very small distance, difference, or margin
A person who prefers fixed routines and familiar ways
To fail completely or produce no result
A strong belief accepted without question

Correct answer(s):

To hurt, wound, or make a successful attack in argument

Idioms & Phrases

Which answer explains Cast in stone correctly?

Fixed and not open to change
To suffer because of lack of money or resources
To have power, control, or influence
With very little warning or preparation time
To manage to speak when others are talking a lot

Correct answer(s):

Fixed and not open to change

Idioms & Phrases

For HSC English, what is the meaning of Drive a wedge between?

To create division or hostility between people
To discuss a point hypothetically
To have a lasting and powerful influence
A difficult and complicated problem

Correct answer(s):

To create division or hostility between people

Idioms & Phrases

Which meaning best matches the idiom Catch at a straw?

A clear practical example or warning
A situation likely to lead to failure, danger, or serious trouble
To try any small hope when desperate
A risky action taken without knowing the result

Correct answer(s):

To try any small hope when desperate

Idioms & Phrases

Identify the correct meaning of the expression Fall by the wayside.

A strong belief accepted without question
To emphasize a point strongly and repeatedly
To fail to continue or be abandoned
To sound convincing or believable

Correct answer(s):

To fail to continue or be abandoned

Idioms & Phrases

What does the phrase Change the face of mean in standard English?

By honest or dishonest methods
A difficult and complicated problem
During the most intense or advanced stage of something
To transform something completely

Correct answer(s):

To transform something completely

Idioms & Phrases

Choose the correct meaning of Close ranks.

Making a careful or serious effort to do something
To make something very clear and noticeable
A constant threat or danger hanging over someone
To obey or be controlled by someone else
To unite in support or defense of a group

Correct answer(s):

To unite in support or defense of a group

Idioms & Phrases

In English grammar, how should Come full circle be understood?

To return to the original position or situation
Unable to continue, work, or succeed
An urgent effort to finish something before a deadline
To happen or become real

Correct answer(s):

To return to the original position or situation

Idioms & Phrases

Which option gives the closest meaning of Come into force?

A connected sequence of ideas in the mind
To conform or agree with rules, orders, or a group
To become legally or officially active
A personal benefit or strong stake in an outcome

Correct answer(s):

To become legally or officially active

Idioms & Phrases

For HSC English, what is the meaning of Come into one’s own?

To understand something after thought or investigation
Very severe competition in which people may act ruthlessly
A warning action meant to prevent stronger action later
To reach a stage where one’s ability or value is fully shown
Again and again; everywhere one tries

Correct answer(s):

To reach a stage where one's ability or value is fully shown

Idioms & Phrases

Which option gives the closest meaning of At the heart of?

Advice that accepts failure and offers no real hope
As a result of something
To oppose the usual opinion, trend, or direction
Central to the main issue or problem

Correct answer(s):

Central to the main issue or problem

Idioms & Phrases

Which meaning best matches the idiom By default?

With serious risk to oneself
Much better than others of the same type
A career marked by both successes and failures or controversies
Automatically because no other choice is made
By a very narrow margin

Correct answer(s):

Automatically because no other choice is made

Idioms & Phrases

For HSC English, what is the meaning of At the height of?

To support the person, plan, or side that fails
To expose a hidden scandal, secret, or truth
Something ugly or unpleasant that spoils an otherwise attractive place
During the most intense or advanced stage of something
A career marked by both successes and failures or controversies

Correct answer(s):

During the most intense or advanced stage of something

Idioms & Phrases

What does the phrase By fair means or foul mean in standard English?

By honest or dishonest methods
Very similar in character, nature, or behavior
Between two equally dangerous or difficult choices
To create division or hostility between people

Correct answer(s):

By honest or dishonest methods