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

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

Identify the correct meaning of the expression Come to fruition.

To avoid discussing or hide something unpleasant
Unfair treatment
With general agreement
To become successful or real after effort

Correct answer(s):

To become successful or real after effort

Idioms & Phrases

What idea is expressed by Come to grips with?

To begin to understand or deal with a difficult matter
Having nothing useful to do or feeling unsettled
At an important point when a decision or change is needed
Very similar in character, nature, or behavior

Correct answer(s):

To begin to understand or deal with a difficult matter

Idioms & Phrases

Select the best explanation of Come to naught.

After taking all facts and circumstances into account
An unpleasant fact or result that is difficult to accept
To fail completely or produce no result
In a less favorable or weaker position
To create division or hostility between people

Correct answer(s):

To fail completely or produce no result

Idioms & Phrases

Which answer explains Come to pass correctly?

Central to the main issue or problem
A small and unimportant part of a large system
To avoid something because of fear, reluctance, or dislike
To happen or become real

Correct answer(s):

To happen or become real

Idioms & Phrases

Which option gives the closest meaning of By the skin of one’s teeth?

To happen or become real
By a very narrow margin
Very severe competition in which people may act ruthlessly
To give little attention, sympathy, or consideration

Correct answer(s):

By a very narrow margin

Idioms & Phrases

Which meaning best matches the idiom Cut from the same cloth?

To suffer because of lack of money or resources
Very similar in character, nature, or behavior
An issue based on a moral rule or firm belief
To be in a very uncertain or dangerous state

Correct answer(s):

Very similar in character, nature, or behavior

Idioms & Phrases

For HSC English, what is the meaning of By word of mouth?

Through spoken recommendation or information
With very little warning or preparation time
To oppose the usual opinion, trend, or direction
A decisive moment that tests a person, plan, or situation

Correct answer(s):

Through spoken recommendation or information

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

In English grammar, how should Blow the lid off be understood?

To expose a hidden scandal, secret, or truth
To demand an explanation or hold someone responsible
So honest or respectable that no one is likely to suspect wrongdoing
Something done only to achieve a larger purpose

Correct answer(s):

To expose a hidden scandal, secret, or truth

Idioms & Phrases

Which option gives the closest meaning of Break ranks?

To stop supporting a group and act independently
Because of someone’s request or order
An urgent effort to finish something before a deadline
To fail to continue or be abandoned
Central to the main issue or problem

Correct answer(s):

To stop supporting a group and act independently

Idioms & Phrases

For HSC English, what is the meaning of Bring into sharp focus?

To emphasize a point strongly and repeatedly
A warning action meant to prevent stronger action later
To reach a stage where one’s ability or value is fully shown
To make something very clear and noticeable

Correct answer(s):

To make something very clear and noticeable

Idioms & Phrases

Identify the correct meaning of the expression Bring pressure to bear.

At a distance, especially to avoid close involvement
To apply influence or force to make someone act
To suspend or postpone something temporarily
Something done only to achieve a larger purpose

Correct answer(s):

To apply influence or force to make someone act