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 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

Idioms & Phrases

Choose the correct meaning of A breach of trust.

To die or disappear like all living things
With general agreement
Briefly and without much detail
An act that breaks confidence, honesty, or responsibility

Correct answer(s):

An act that breaks confidence, honesty, or responsibility

Idioms & Phrases

Select the best explanation of A leap in the dark.

To emphasize a point strongly and repeatedly
To have power, control, or influence
A risky action taken without knowing the result
An unpleasant fact or result that is difficult to accept
To understand something after thought or investigation

Correct answer(s):

A risky action taken without knowing the result

Idioms & Phrases

In English grammar, how should A change of tack be understood?

To support or defend a person, idea, or cause
Very obvious or easy to understand
A change in method, plan, or direction
To suspend or postpone something temporarily
To discuss a point hypothetically

Correct answer(s):

A change in method, plan, or direction

Idioms & Phrases

Which answer explains A matter of principle correctly?

An issue based on a moral rule or firm belief
As an extra addition
To be abandoned, lost, or ignored
To fail completely or produce no result

Correct answer(s):

An issue based on a moral rule or firm belief

Idioms & Phrases

Which option gives the closest meaning of A checkered career?

To manage to speak when others are talking a lot
Automatically because no other choice is made
A career marked by both successes and failures or controversies
After taking all facts and circumstances into account

Correct answer(s):

A career marked by both successes and failures or controversies

Idioms & Phrases

Which meaning best matches the idiom A means to an end?

Fixed and not open to change
To harm or criticize someone who helps or supports you
Something done only to achieve a larger purpose
Automatically because no other choice is made

Correct answer(s):

Something done only to achieve a larger purpose

Idioms & Phrases

For HSC English, what is the meaning of A cog in the machine?

To apply influence or force to make someone act
To create division or hostility between people
A situation likely to lead to failure, danger, or serious trouble
A small and unimportant part of a large system

Correct answer(s):

A small and unimportant part of a large system

Idioms & Phrases

Identify the correct meaning of the expression A counsel of despair.

A harmful cycle in which one problem causes another and makes the first worse
Because of the request or command of someone
Very obvious or easy to understand
To harm or criticize someone who helps or supports you
Advice that accepts failure and offers no real hope

Correct answer(s):

Advice that accepts failure and offers no real hope

Idioms & Phrases

What idea is expressed by A creature of habit?

A person who prefers fixed routines and familiar ways
To make something very clear and noticeable
As an extra addition
A collection of false statements

Correct answer(s):

A person who prefers fixed routines and familiar ways

Idioms & Phrases

Select the best explanation of A cut-throat competition.

Not in any possible way
Fixed and not open to change
Very severe competition in which people may act ruthlessly
A general practical method based on experience rather than exact calculation

Correct answer(s):

Very severe competition in which people may act ruthlessly

Idioms & Phrases

Which answer explains A dim view of correctly?

A disapproving or negative opinion about something
To act honestly, sincerely, and with fair intention
To try any small hope when desperate
In effect; almost completely
A personal benefit or strong stake in an outcome

Correct answer(s):

A disapproving or negative opinion about something