Common English Expressions and Phrases
Test your understanding of common English expressions, phrasal verbs, and idiomatic phrases in context.
Questions
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
The man has been to Holland before. In fact, he has been there three times.
- Actually
- Truthfully
- Really
- Confirming
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
They have decided to close down the library for the summer in order to do some codification work.
- for the purpose of
- to have a use
- deliberately
- intentionally
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
The veil was held in place by pearls.
- correct position
- suitable for a particular situation
- done up
- in the proper place or location
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
In general, most of the people in our colony are happy with the new tenant.
- Most situations
- Circumstances
- Universal
- Usually
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
In some ways, I know what my friend means.
- By some unspecified means
- In some unspecified way or manner
- Behaving in an unnatural way
- Undetermined quality
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
I did not come home in time to meet my cousin.
- on schedule
- early enough
- punctually
- not too late
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
I told my co-workers to keep the new starting time for work in mind.
- to remember about something
- comply with
- abide with
- adhere to
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
In terms of our agreement with the other company, we were not allowed to sell the products online.
- Conditions
- Stipulations
- Specifications
- With regard to
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
I was kind of tired when I arrived home last night.
- somewhat
- more or less
- moderately
- sort of
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
Everybody is in favor of the new director.
- to approve
- supports
- agree with
- be in favor of
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
My mother has been looking for her purse all morning but she cannot find it.
- to try to find something
- to search for something
- try to track down
- to hunt for some thing
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
I will look up my uncle's name in the telephone book.
- to search for something
- to find for something
- to discover the where about.
- the act of looking
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
It does not make a difference whether our boss comes to the meeting or not.
- to have an effect on a situation
- need not contribute
- not essential
- to cause a change in a situation
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
I want to make sure that my friend is going to meet me tomorrow.
- to make certain
- to establish
- something is true
- to be positive
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
I more or less have decided to study business next year.
- some what
- to some extent
- almost decide
- in the region of
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
No matter how hard that I try, my piano teacher is never satisfied.
- Something cannot be changed
- In spite of everything
- Regardless
- Make any difference
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
I am not at all happy with my new computer.
- to emphasize a negative reply
- used as a polite reply
- certainly not
- beyond question
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
Of course you can use my car if you want to.
- Naturally
- Exceptions to the rule
- Needless to say
- As one would expect
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
He is very intelligent, but on the other hand he is very lazy.
- diametrically different
- looking at the opposite side of matter
- to act differently
- at the same time
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
I tried once again to phone my boss at his home.
- again
- anew
- once more
- many times
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
Most members of the class were open to the teacher's ideas.
- listen to new ideas
- hear to suggestions
- to be agreeable
- ready to listen
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
Our train arrived exactly on time.
- not early or late
- to be at the scheduled time
- just in time
- in good time
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
I will pick up my dry cleaning tomorrow.
- to get something
- to lift something
- to collect something
- none of these
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
In other words, if you do not finish the painting you will not be able to exhibit.
- In a different way
- If not
- Or else
- In other aspects
Directions: Choose the option which conveys the meaning of the underlined word(s).
His new proposal really does make sense.
- seems sensible
- seems rational
- seems logical
- to seem reasonable