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

Which meaning best matches the idiom Between Scylla and Charybdis?

To fail to continue or be abandoned
To begin to understand or deal with a difficult matter
Between two equally dangerous or difficult choices
A decisive moment when an important change begins

Correct answer(s):

Between two equally dangerous or difficult choices

Idioms & Phrases

What does the phrase Beyond the pale mean in standard English?

A very small distance, difference, or margin
Outside acceptable limits of behavior
At an important point when a decision or change is needed
To support or defend a person, idea, or cause
To become legally or officially active

Correct answer(s):

Outside acceptable limits of behavior

Idioms & Phrases

Choose the correct meaning of Bite the hand that feeds you.

To become no longer popular or common
In a less favorable or weaker position
A loud public protest or strong complaint
To harm or criticize someone who helps or supports you

Correct answer(s):

To harm or criticize someone who helps or supports you

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

Idioms & Phrases

What does the phrase At pains to mean in standard English?

Making a careful or serious effort to do something
To have a natural talent for something
To receive unfair or worse treatment
To give little attention, sympathy, or consideration

Correct answer(s):

Making a careful or serious effort to do something

Idioms & Phrases

What idea is expressed by By a long chalk?

Automatically because no other choice is made
By a large amount; not nearly close
To obey or be controlled by someone else
To manage to speak when others are talking a lot
To make something very clear and noticeable

Correct answer(s):

By a large amount; not nearly close

Idioms & Phrases

Choose the correct meaning of At the behest of.

After a quick look
A very small distance, difference, or margin
To be in a very uncertain or dangerous state
To find one’s position or understand a situation
Because of the request or command of someone

Correct answer(s):

Because of the request or command of someone

Idioms & Phrases

Select the best explanation of By any stretch of the imagination.

At the beginning or edge of a new stage
To apply influence or force to make someone act
By any possible interpretation or effort of thinking
To be in a very uncertain or dangerous state

Correct answer(s):

By any possible interpretation or effort of thinking

Idioms & Phrases

In English grammar, how should At the helm be understood?

By a very narrow margin
In control or in a leadership position
A career marked by both successes and failures or controversies
To try any small hope when desperate

Correct answer(s):

In control or in a leadership position

Idioms & Phrases

Which answer explains By common consent correctly?

To transform something completely
With general agreement
To suspend or postpone something temporarily
Very similar in character, nature, or behavior

Correct answer(s):

With general agreement

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

Idioms & Phrases

Identify the correct meaning of the expression At the threshold of.

A personal benefit or strong stake in an outcome
Something done only to achieve a larger purpose
At the beginning or edge of a new stage
A clear practical example or warning

Correct answer(s):

At the beginning or edge of a new stage

Idioms & Phrases

Choose the correct meaning of By hook or by crook.

After taking all facts and circumstances into account
Basically or fundamentally
By any possible means
To return to the original position or situation

Correct answer(s):

By any possible means

Idioms & Phrases

What does the phrase At close quarters mean in standard English?

A result that is certain before it happens
Having nothing useful to do or feeling unsettled
To become no longer popular or common
From very near or in close contact

Correct answer(s):

From very near or in close contact