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 At bottom?

To wait anxiously or expectantly
A very small distance, difference, or margin
To become successful or real after effort
Basically or fundamentally
A career marked by both successes and failures or controversies

Correct answer(s):

Basically or fundamentally

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

Idioms & Phrases

Identify the correct meaning of the expression Act in good faith.

To have a personal stake or benefit in something
To act honestly, sincerely, and with fair intention
To provide evidence or proof of something
An unpleasant fact or result that is difficult to accept

Correct answer(s):

To act honestly, sincerely, and with fair intention

Idioms & Phrases

Choose the correct meaning of At cross purposes with.

An unpleasant fact or result that is difficult to accept
Having different aims or misunderstanding each other
To receive unfair or worse treatment
To fail to continue or be abandoned

Correct answer(s):

Having different aims or misunderstanding each other

Idioms & Phrases

What does the phrase A rule of thumb approach mean in standard English?

A general practical method based on experience rather than exact calculation
To be in a very uncertain or dangerous state
To hurt, wound, or make a successful attack in argument
Very similar in character, nature, or behavior

Correct answer(s):

A general practical method based on experience rather than exact calculation

Idioms & Phrases

Choose the correct meaning of A shadow of doubt.

A final desperate attempt to solve a problem or avoid failure
As an extra addition
A small amount of uncertainty
If necessary, especially in a difficult situation

Correct answer(s):

A small amount of uncertainty

Idioms & Phrases

In English grammar, how should A shot across the bow be understood?

Because of someone’s request or order
To do the same work or follow the same path as someone else
A warning action meant to prevent stronger action later
A risky action taken without knowing the result
To harm or criticize someone who helps or supports you

Correct answer(s):

A warning action meant to prevent stronger action later

Idioms & Phrases

Which option gives the closest meaning of A skeleton in the cupboard?

A cause of disagreement or argument
By any possible interpretation or effort of thinking
At an important point when a decision or change is needed
A hidden and embarrassing secret from the past

Correct answer(s):

A hidden and embarrassing secret from the past

Idioms & Phrases

For HSC English, what is the meaning of A slap in the face?

An insult, rejection, or painful disappointment
To have a personal stake or benefit in something
To be in a difficult situation with very few choices
Through spoken recommendation or information

Correct answer(s):

An insult, rejection, or painful disappointment

Idioms & Phrases

Identify the correct meaning of the expression A slip of the pen.

To receive unfair or worse treatment
To happen or become real
To have a personal stake or benefit in something
Again and again; everywhere one tries
A small mistake made while writing

Correct answer(s):

A small mistake made while writing

Idioms & Phrases

What does the phrase A moment of truth mean in standard English?

During the most intense or advanced stage of something
A decisive moment that tests a person, plan, or situation
A personal benefit or strong stake in an outcome
With very little warning or preparation time
To begin to understand or deal with a difficult matter

Correct answer(s):

A decisive moment that tests a person, plan, or situation

Idioms & Phrases

What idea is expressed by A source of contention?

During the most intense or advanced stage of something
As an extra addition
A general practical method based on experience rather than exact calculation
A cause of disagreement or argument

Correct answer(s):

A cause of disagreement or argument

Idioms & Phrases

Choose the correct meaning of A note of caution.

Between two equally dangerous or difficult choices
A warning or reminder to be careful
To make something very clear and noticeable
A simple practical method that is not exact or polished

Correct answer(s):

A warning or reminder to be careful

Idioms & Phrases

Select the best explanation of A storm is brewing.

At the beginning or edge of a new stage
Trouble, conflict, or danger is developing
By a very narrow margin
To have a hidden weakness despite an admirable image

Correct answer(s):

Trouble, conflict, or danger is developing

Idioms & Phrases

In English grammar, how should A pack of lies be understood?

A collection of false statements
To have a hidden weakness despite an admirable image
From very near or in close contact
Much better than others of the same type

Correct answer(s):

A collection of false statements

Idioms & Phrases

Which answer explains A sword of Damocles correctly?

A constant threat or danger hanging over someone
To hurt, wound, or make a successful attack in argument
With general agreement
Very seriously ill or near death
Because of the request or command of someone

Correct answer(s):

A constant threat or danger hanging over someone

Idioms & Phrases

Which option gives the closest meaning of A pillar of society?

A respected and responsible person in a community
To reach a stage where one’s ability or value is fully shown
To have a personal stake or benefit in something
Briefly and without much detail
A collection of false statements

Correct answer(s):

A respected and responsible person in a community

Idioms & Phrases

Which meaning best matches the idiom A thorny issue?

With general agreement
A clear practical example or warning
A difficult and complicated problem
From very near or in close contact

Correct answer(s):

A difficult and complicated problem

Idioms & Phrases

For HSC English, what is the meaning of A point of departure?

In a less favorable or weaker position
A starting point for discussion, study, or change
Through spoken recommendation or information
To have a lasting and powerful influence

Correct answer(s):

A starting point for discussion, study, or change

Idioms & Phrases

What does the phrase A train of thought mean in standard English?

To do the same work or follow the same path as someone else
A connected sequence of ideas in the mind
A final desperate attempt to solve a problem or avoid failure
To avoid something because of fear, reluctance, or dislike

Correct answer(s):

A connected sequence of ideas in the mind