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 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

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

Choose the correct meaning of A great deal of.

A decisive moment when an important change begins
A warning action meant to prevent stronger action later
To try any small hope when desperate
To create division or hostility between people
A large amount or quantity of something

Correct answer(s):

A large amount or quantity of something

Idioms & Phrases

In English grammar, how should A hair’s breadth be understood?

To make something very clear and noticeable
A victory that brings little satisfaction or real benefit
To be in a difficult situation with very few choices
A very small distance, difference, or margin

Correct answer(s):

A very small distance, difference, or margin

Idioms & Phrases

Which option gives the closest meaning of A hard-headed approach?

An urgent effort to finish something before a deadline
A practical, realistic, and sensible way of dealing with something
To give little attention, sympathy, or consideration
A large amount or quantity of something

Correct answer(s):

A practical, realistic, and sensible way of dealing with something

Idioms & Phrases

For HSC English, what is the meaning of A hollow victory?

To find one’s position or understand a situation
Very severe competition in which people may act ruthlessly
To become legally or officially active
A victory that brings little satisfaction or real benefit
A starting point for discussion, study, or change

Correct answer(s):

A victory that brings little satisfaction or real benefit

Idioms & Phrases

Which meaning best matches the idiom A bitter pill to swallow?

As a result of something
To give little attention, sympathy, or consideration
Advice that accepts failure and offers no real hope
An unpleasant fact or result that is difficult to accept
During the most intense or advanced stage of something

Correct answer(s):

An unpleasant fact or result that is difficult to accept

Idioms & Phrases

Identify the correct meaning of the expression A hue and cry.

Unfair treatment
To have a personal stake or benefit in something
A loud public protest or strong complaint
Much better than others of the same type

Correct answer(s):

A loud public protest or strong complaint

Idioms & Phrases

What does the phrase A blot on the landscape mean in standard English?

To provide evidence or proof of something
Something ugly or unpleasant that spoils an otherwise attractive place
To return to the original position or situation
After taking all facts and circumstances into account

Correct answer(s):

Something ugly or unpleasant that spoils an otherwise attractive place

Idioms & Phrases

What idea is expressed by A last-ditch effort?

A decisive moment when an important change begins
A final desperate attempt to solve a problem or avoid failure
A clear practical example or warning
To apply influence or force to make someone act

Correct answer(s):

A final desperate attempt to solve a problem or avoid failure

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