English Quiz – Usage of Words – 27

Hello and welcome to exampundit. Here is a set of English Quiz on Grammatical & Correct Usage of Words in a sentence.

 

Directions for questions 1 to 4: In each of the questions a word has been used in sentences in five different ways. Choose the option corresponding to the sentence in which the usage of the word is incorrect or inappropriate.

 

  1. Run

(1) I must run fast to catch up with him.

(2) Our team scored a goal against the run of play.

(3) You can’t run over him like that.

(4) The newly released book is enjoying a popular run.

(5) This film is a run-of-the-mill production.

Answer & Solutions

Option: 3

Explanation: In Sentence 3 „run over‟ as a phrasal verb means being physically mowed down and it is not appropriate to convey the symbolic sense of brow beating somebody.

 

  1. Round

(1) The police fired a round of tear gas shells.

(2) The shop is located round the corner.

(3) We took a ride on the merry-go-round.

(4) The doctor is on a hospital round.

(5) I shall proceed further only after you come around to admitting it.

Answer & Solutions

Option: 4

Explanation: Sentence 4 is incorrect and should be „ The doctor is on a round/the doctor is on a round of the hospital.‟

 

  1. Buckle

(1) After the long hike our knees were beginning to buckle.

(2) The horse suddenly broke into a buckle.

(3) The accused did not buckle under police interrogation.

(4) Sometimes, an earthquake can make a bridge buckle.

(5) People should learn to buckle up as soon as they get into the car.

Answer & Solutions

Option: 2

Explanation: The expression „the horse suddenly broke into a buckle‟ is idiomatically incorrect

 

  1. File

(1) You will find the paper in the file under C.

(2) I need to file an insurance claim.

(3)The cadets were marching in a single file.

(4) File your nails before you apply nail polish.

(5) When the parade was on, a soldier broke the file.

Answer & Solutions

Option: 5

Explanation: In sentence 5, the expression „…a soldier broke the file…‟ is grammatically incorrect.

 

 

Directions for Questions 5 to 7: In each question, the word at the top of the table is used in four different ways, numbered (1) to (4) Choose the option in which the usage of the word is incorrect or inappropriate.

 

  1. Near

(1) I got there just after you left – a near miss!

(2) She and her near friend left early.

(3) The war led to a near doubling of oil prices.

(4) They came near to tears seeing the plight of the victims.

Answer & Solutions

Option: 2

Explanation: Close friend is the correct version of near friend.

 

 

 

  1. Hand

(1) I have my hand full, I cannot do it today.

(2) The minister visited the jail to see the breach at first hand

(3) The situation is getting out of hand here!

(4) When the roof of my house was blown away, he was willing to lend me a hand.

Answer & Solutions

Option: 1

Explanation: my hands full…

 

 

  1. For

(1) He has a great eye for detail.

(2) We are waiting for the day.

(3) I can’t bear for her to be angry.

(4) It couldn’t be done for ever

Answer & Solutions

Option: 3

Explanation: I couldn‟t bear her…

 

 

DIRECTIONS for Questions 8 to 12: In each question, the word at the top of the table is used in four different ways, numbered (1) to (4) Choose the option in which the usage of the word is INCORRECT or INAPPROPRIATE.

 

  1. Help

(1) This syrup will help your cold.

(2) I can’t help the colour of my skin.

(3) Ranjit may help himself with the beer in the fridge.

(4) Do you really expect me to help you out with cash?

Answer & Solutions

Option: 3

Explanation: The right construction would be “…..help himself to the beer…”.

 

  1. Reason

(1) Your stand is beyond all reason.

(2) Has she given you any reason for her resignation?

(3) There is little reason in your prompous advice.

(4) How do you deal with a friend who doesn’t listen to a reason?

Answer & Solutions

Option: 4

Explanation: The correct expression is “listen to reason”, implying responding to sensible advice.

 

  1. Paper

(1) Your suggestions look great on the paper, but are absolutely impractical.

(2) Do you know how many trees are killed to make a truckload of paper?

(3) So far I have been able to paper over the disagreements among my brothers.

(4) Dr. Malek will read a paper on criminalization of politics.

Answer & Solutions

Option: 1

Explanation: Should have been “ great on paper”.

 

  1. Business

(1) I want to do an MBA before going into business.

(2) My wife runs profitable business in this suburb.

(3) If we advertise we will get twice as much business as we have now.

(4) How you spend your money is as much my business as yours.

Answer & Solutions

Option: 2

Explanation: Should have read “ …. runs a profitable business …”

 

  1. Service

(1) Customers have to service themselves at this canteen.

(2) It’s a service lift; don’t get into it.

(3) I’m not making enough even to service the loan.

(4) Jyoti’s husband has been on active service for three months.

Answer & Solutions

Option: 1

Explanation: “Customers have to serve themselves….”, not service themselves.

 

Regards

Team EP