Expressions and Word Use Quiz

Which of the following expressions in the sentence is a phrasal verb? During the heated debate, the spokesperson refused to back down, even when faced with overwhelming evidence.

1. refused to
2. back down
3. overwhelming evidence
4. during the heated debate

Answer: (b) back down

Choose the option that is not idiomatic:

1. hit the sack
2. call it a day
3. take the plunge
4. attend the conference

Answer: (d) attend the conference

Choose the homophone that fits best in this sentence: The historian presented a detailed account of the ancient king’s ceremonial _______.

1. reign
2. rain
3. rein
4. rang

Answer: (a) reign

Select the phrasal verb that fits best in the context of determined investigative reporting. Question: The journalist was determined to __________ the truth, no matter how many officials tried to block her path.

1. bring out
2. dig up
3. break into
4. take off

Answer: (b) dig up

Match the advanced phrasal verbs in Column A with their closest synonym or meaning in Column B. Then choose the correct sequence from the options. Column A – Phrasal Verbs Column B – Meanings 1 Phase out a To reduce gradually 2 Mull over b To analyze or evaluate 3 Size up c To eliminate in stages 4 Shoot down d To reject strongly 5 Taper off e To think carefully about something

1. 1-a, 2-b, 3-c, 4-e, 5-d
2. 1-d, 2-c, 3-e, 4-a, 5-b
3. 1-c, 2-e, 3-b, 4-d, 5-a
4. 1-e, 2-d, 3-a, 4-c, 5-b

Answer: (c) 1-c, 2-e, 3-b, 4-d, 5-a

Fill in the blank with the idiom that best fits the situation described. The minister avoided giving a direct answer and continued to __________ while reporters pressed him for the truth.

1. face the music
2. beat around the bush
3. jump the gun
4. burn the candle at both ends

Answer: (b) beat around the bush

Choose the homophone that correctly completes the sentence. Pay close attention to spelling and meaning — only one option is both grammatically and logically correct. She remained ______ about her plans, not revealing anything even to her closest friends.

1. discrete
2. discredit
3. discreet
4. discern

Answer: (c) discreet

Which of the following sentences uses all the phrasal verbs correctly in context?

1. As the tension built, he decided to bottle out of the confrontation and later put across his concerns by email.
2. The CEO tried to brush aside the accusations, but the media refused to let down the issue.
3. During the interview, she managed to talk over her qualifications clearly and come across as confident.
4. He had planned to fill in his assistant on the changes but ended up coming by the office too late.

Answer: (d) He had planned to fill in his assistant on the changes but ended up coming by the office too late.

What does the idiom “stick their neck out” most likely mean in this context? After the manager left the room, the employees exchanged glances; no one was willing to stick their neck out by disagreeing with the new policy.

1. to relax and stop worrying about consequences
2. to behave in a disrespectful manner
3. to take a personal risk to support something
4. to express confidence in front of others

Answer: (c) to take a personal risk to support something

Which sentence contains an incorrect use of a homonym?

1. The row between the neighbours got worse each day.
2. She couldn’t bear the sight of the injured bear.
3. They decided to desert their dessert on the table.
4. The minute details were discussed for over a minute.

Answer: (c) They decided to desert their dessert on the table.