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

In English grammar, how should As clear as day be understood?

Very severe competition in which people may act ruthlessly
To demand an explanation or hold someone responsible
Unfair treatment
Very obvious or easy to understand

Correct answer(s):

Very obvious or easy to understand

Idioms & Phrases

Which meaning best matches the idiom At one’s peril?

A decisive moment that tests a person, plan, or situation
With serious risk to oneself
With general agreement
To conform or agree with rules, orders, or a group

Correct answer(s):

With serious risk to oneself

Idioms & Phrases

Which option gives the closest meaning of At a critical juncture?

At an important point when a decision or change is needed
Fixed and not open to change
A very large and sudden improvement or change
With serious risk to oneself
To hurt, wound, or make a successful attack in argument

Correct answer(s):

At an important point when a decision or change is needed

Idioms & Phrases

For HSC English, what is the meaning of At a disadvantage?

In a less favorable or weaker position
With serious risk to oneself
If necessary, especially in a difficult situation
So honest or respectable that no one is likely to suspect wrongdoing

Correct answer(s):

In a less favorable or weaker position

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

Idioms & Phrases

Identify the correct meaning of the expression A quantum leap.

A situation likely to lead to failure, danger, or serious trouble
An insult, rejection, or painful disappointment
A general practical method based on experience rather than exact calculation
A very large and sudden improvement or change

Correct answer(s):

A very large and sudden improvement or change

Idioms & Phrases

Choose the correct meaning of A turning point.

To conform or agree with rules, orders, or a group
A warning or reminder to be careful
A decisive moment that tests a person, plan, or situation
To have a personal stake or benefit in something
A decisive moment when an important change begins

Correct answer(s):

A decisive moment when an important change begins

Idioms & Phrases

What idea is expressed by A race against time?

By a very narrow margin
An urgent effort to finish something before a deadline
To sound convincing or believable
Much better than others of the same type
An act that breaks confidence, honesty, or responsibility

Correct answer(s):

An urgent effort to finish something before a deadline

Idioms & Phrases

In English grammar, how should A vested interest be understood?

A personal benefit or strong stake in an outcome
A situation likely to lead to failure, danger, or serious trouble
To have a natural talent for something
Having different aims or misunderstanding each other

Correct answer(s):

A personal benefit or strong stake in an outcome

Idioms & Phrases

Select the best explanation of A raw deal.

A constant threat or danger hanging over someone
A change in method, plan, or direction
Unfair treatment
A victory that brings little satisfaction or real benefit

Correct answer(s):

Unfair treatment

Idioms & Phrases

Which option gives the closest meaning of A vicious circle?

Because of someone’s request or order
To be in a difficult situation with very few choices
A harmful cycle in which one problem causes another and makes the first worse
A warning action meant to prevent stronger action later

Correct answer(s):

A harmful cycle in which one problem causes another and makes the first worse

Idioms & Phrases

Which answer explains A recipe for disaster correctly?

To expose a hidden scandal, secret, or truth
A respected and responsible person in a community
To reach a stage where one’s ability or value is fully shown
A situation likely to lead to failure, danger, or serious trouble

Correct answer(s):

A situation likely to lead to failure, danger, or serious trouble

Idioms & Phrases

For HSC English, what is the meaning of Above suspicion?

To unite in support or defense of a group
An insult, rejection, or painful disappointment
A hidden and embarrassing secret from the past
So honest or respectable that no one is likely to suspect wrongdoing
A clear practical example or warning

Correct answer(s):

So honest or respectable that no one is likely to suspect wrongdoing

Idioms & Phrases

Which meaning best matches the idiom A rough-and-ready method?

To sound convincing or believable
A decisive moment that tests a person, plan, or situation
A warning action meant to prevent stronger action later
A simple practical method that is not exact or polished
Basically or fundamentally

Correct answer(s):

A simple practical method that is not exact or polished

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