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Adjective And Noun Collocations – Quiz 1
Adjective And Noun Collocations Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of adjective and noun collocations in English grammar, including their usage in idiomatic expressions and context. It tests skills such as selecting appropriate adjectives to describe nouns accurately, recognizing common collocations, and using intensifiers effectively.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
He speaks English with a ..... accent.
A) No.
B) Surprising.
C) Strong.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Strong.
When describing someone's accent, "strong" is the appropriate adjective to indicate a noticeable or pronounced accent in their speech. The phrase "He speaks English with a strong accent" implies that his accent is clear and easily recognizable.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "No" would imply he has no accent at all, which is not the intended meaning.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Surprising" does not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence structure.
Option C:
Correct. "Strong" accurately describes a noticeable accent.
Option D:
Incorrect. This option suggests none of the above, which is not true since one option (C) is correct.
2.
The economy is in ..... trouble
A) Heavy.
B) Deep.
C) Lighter.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "in deep trouble" is a common collocation that means the situation is serious and difficult to resolve. This makes option B) Deep correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Heavy does not form a natural collocation with "trouble."
Option B:
Deep forms a natural collocation with "trouble," meaning the situation is serious.
Option C:
Lighter means less severe, which contradicts the idea of trouble.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect since option B is correct.
3.
Greece has a very ..... culture.
A) Rich.
B) Confused.
C) Problem.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Rich.
The phrase "Greece has a very rich culture" is a common and appropriate collocation in English, where "rich" is used to describe the abundance of cultural heritage, history, traditions, and arts found in Greece.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Rich culture" is a standard adjective-noun collocation.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Confused culture" does not fit naturally in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Problem culture" implies an issue, which is not the intended meaning here.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
4.
I was late due to ..... traffic.
A) No.
B) Heavy.
C) None of the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Heavy.
In English, "heavy traffic" is a common collocation that describes dense and slow-moving traffic conditions. This phrase effectively conveys the reason for being late without needing to use other words.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as "No" does not explain why someone was late.
Option B:
Correct, "Heavy traffic" is a proper collocation indicating dense and slow-moving vehicles on the road.
Option C:
Incorrect as "None of the above" is unnecessary since one option fits correctly.
Option D:
Incorrect for the same reason as Option C.
5.
We were walking in ..... rain.
A) Heavy.
B) Loaded.
C) Lighter.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Heavy.
In English, "heavy rain" is a common collocation that describes intense rainfall. This phrase is grammatically and idiomatically correct in the given context of walking in rain.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Heavy rain" is a standard collocation meaning intense rainfall.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Loaded rain" does not form a valid collocation in English.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Lighter rain" would imply less intensity, which is not the intended meaning here.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
6.
Do you know i am a ..... dreamer?
A) Heavy.
B) Big.
C) Lighter.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "Do you know I am a ... dreamer?" is an idiomatic expression that means someone who has unrealistic or overly optimistic ideas about the future, often in a positive sense. The correct answer is
B) Big.
This suggests that the speaker considers themselves to be a significant or important dreamer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Heavy - Does not fit the context of being a dreamer, as it implies something burdensome rather than inspirational.
Option B:
Big - Correct. It suggests someone who is significant or important in their dreams and aspirations.
Option C:
Lighter - This does not fit the context of being a dreamer, as it implies something trivial rather than meaningful.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect because "Big" is the correct answer.
7.
He admitted he made a ..... mistake.
A) Best.
B) Big.
C) Sweetly.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Best.
In this context, "best" does not fit well because it implies the mistake was the most favorable outcome, which contradicts the admission of a mistake. The phrase "big mistake" is commonly used to describe significant errors or blunders.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Best" would imply the mistake was advantageous, which is not typical in admitting an error.
Option B:
Correct. "Big mistake" is a common collocation that accurately conveys a significant error or blunder.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Sweetly" does not fit grammatically or contextually with the sentence structure and meaning.
Option D:
Incorrect. Since option B is correct, this is not applicable.
8.
I'm not sure if I have met him before, but .....
A) His face looks vaguely familiar.
B) His face looks deadly serious.
C) His face looks mildly amusing.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because "vaguely familiar" describes a situation where the subject feels they have met someone before, but cannot recall exactly when or where, which fits well with the context of not being sure if one has met the person before.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Describes a feeling of familiarity that is not strong enough to be certain.
Option B:
"Deadly serious" does not relate to the context of recognizing someone vaguely.
Option C:
"Mildly amusing" suggests a positive emotion, which is unrelated to the context of uncertainty about recognition.
Option D:
Indicates none of the options are correct, but Option A clearly fits the scenario.
9.
Which adverb does NOT collocate?Don't worry! Kristy will be ..... safe swimming in the lake with her new coach.
A) Deeply.
B) Perfectly.
C) Completely.
D) Totally.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Deeply" does not collocate with "safe." Adverbs like "deeply," which often describe emotions, feelings, or actions to a great extent (e.g., deeply sad), do not fit the context of describing safety in an activity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Deeply. This adverb does not collocate with "safe."
Option B:
Perfectly. This adverb can collocate with "safe" (e.g., perfectly safe).
Option C:
Completely. This adverb can collocate with "safe" (e.g., completely safe).
Option D:
Totally. This adverb can collocate with "safe" (e.g., totally safe).
10.
Which adjective can collocate with all four nouns:apartment, building, street, area?
A) Studio.
B) High-rise.
C) Run-down.
D) Tree-lined.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Run-down" can collocate with all four nouns: apartment, building, street, and area. This adjective typically describes something that is in poor condition or dilapidated, which fits well across these contexts without sounding awkward.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Studio" usually refers to a type of room or space and does not naturally pair with all four nouns. It would be more appropriate for an apartment or building but not as fitting for street or area.
Option B:
"High-rise" is specific to tall buildings and does not fit well with the other three nouns, making it a poor choice.
Option C:
"Run-down" works with all four nouns: an apartment that is run-down, a building in disrepair, a street with dilapidated houses, or an area of town known for its rundown properties. This makes it the correct answer.
Option D:
"Tree-lined" describes streets and areas but not apartments, buildings, or areas in general (as it implies a specific landscape feature). It is therefore less versatile than "run-down."
11.
They were really disappointed ..... the football result on Saturday
A) On.
B) For.
C) In.
D) About.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) In.
The phrase "disappointed in" is a common collocation that means feeling unhappy about something, especially when it does not meet your expectations. Therefore, the sentence should read: "They were really disappointed in the football result on Saturday."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
On - Incorrect. "On" is typically used with specific dates or times but not for expressing disappointment.
Option B:
For - Incorrect. "For" is generally used to indicate purpose, reason, or duration and does not collocate well with "disappointed."
Option C:
In - Correct. "In" is the correct preposition when expressing disappointment about something.
Option D:
About - Incorrect. While "about" can be used in some contexts, it does not fit well with "disappointed" to express feeling unhappy about a specific outcome or result.
12.
My work team is deficient ..... communication.
A) With.
B) At.
C) In.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "deficient in" is a common collocation that means lacking in something. Therefore, the correct answer is
C) In.
The sentence should read: "My work team is deficient in communication."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
With - Incorrect collocation; does not fit naturally with "deficient."
Option B:
At - Incorrect collocation; typically used for skills or activities, not deficiencies.
Option C:
In - Correct collocation; means lacking in something.
Option D:
None of the above - Not applicable since "In" is correct.
13.
Which of the following adjectives can collocate with "street" ?
A) Four-story.
B) High-rise.
C) Studio.
D) Residential.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Residential" can collocate with "street" to form the phrase "residential street," which refers to a street where houses are located. This combination is common and natural in English.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Four-story" typically describes buildings, not streets directly.
Option B:
"High-rise" also usually refers to tall buildings rather than streets.
Option C:
"Studio" is a type of room or space and does not naturally collocate with "street."
Option D:
Correct. "Residential street" is a common phrase indicating a street where houses are located.
14.
Trainers should be amazing ..... people.
A) With.
B) At.
C) In.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) With.
The phrase "Trainers should be amazing with people" implies that trainers possess a particular skill or ability when interacting with individuals, making them effective in their role. This collocation suggests proficiency and expertise in handling or working with people.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Implies trainers have skills to work effectively with people.
Option B:
Incorrect. "At" does not fit the context of possessing a skill related to people.
Option C:
Incorrect. "In" is typically used for fields or areas of expertise, not for describing skills in interaction.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
15.
It is ..... stupid to go sailing in stormy weather.
A) Strongly.
B) Ridiculously.
C) Seriously.
D) Utterly.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Utterly" is the correct choice because it intensifies the negative statement, emphasizing that going sailing in stormy weather is extremely foolish. This word fits well with the context and conveys a strong sense of absurdity or danger associated with such an action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Strongly" is too mild for this context; it does not convey the same level of intensity as "utterly."
Option B:
"Ridiculously" could work, but "utterly" better captures the severity and finality of the statement.
Option C:
"Seriously" is not an adjective that can be used to intensify a negative statement in this way; it would imply sincerity rather than intensity.
Option D:
"Utterly" is correct as it strongly emphasizes the foolishness of the action, fitting well with the context.
16.
There's been a ..... increase in the number of job applicants.
A) Considerable.
B) Large.
C) Strong.
D) Great.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The adjective "considerable" is the most appropriate choice here because it accurately conveys a significant but not necessarily large increase in job applicants, which fits well with the context of the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Considerable" indicates a noticeable and important change.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Large" might imply an overly specific or quantifiable increase, which is not necessarily implied in the sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Strong" typically refers to force or intensity rather than quantity, making it less suitable here.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Great" could be used but is more informal and less precise than "considerable" in this context.
17.
Which adverb + adjective collocation is used to describe a situation that is painfully cold?
A) Bitterly cold.
B) Blissfully unaware.
C) Bitterly disappointed.
D) Completely different.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Bitterly cold.
This adverb-adjective collocation effectively describes a situation that is painfully cold, as "bitterly" intensifies the meaning of "cold."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Bitterly cold" accurately conveys a very cold temperature.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Blissfully unaware" describes someone who is happily ignorant, not cold at all.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Bitterly disappointed" expresses deep disappointment or frustration, unrelated to the temperature.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Completely different" indicates a stark contrast but does not describe a temperature at all.
18.
Which adverb + adjective collocation is used to describe someone who is actively participating in something?
A) Bitterly cold.
B) Completely different.
C) Actively involved.
D) Badly injured.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Actively involved" is the correct adverb + adjective collocation to describe someone who is actively participating in something. This phrase directly conveys engagement and participation, making it suitable for describing involvement in activities, projects, or events.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Bitterly cold" describes temperature, not participation.
Option B:
"Completely different" compares states, not levels of engagement.
Option C:
"Actively involved" accurately describes someone who is participating in something.
Option D:
"Badly injured" describes a state of injury, not participation.
19.
This department is wonderful ..... planning.
A) With.
B) At.
C) In.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) At.
The phrase "This department is wonderful at planning" indicates that the department excels in the activity of planning. Here, "at" is used to show proficiency or skill in a particular area.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"With" typically introduces an instrument or means, which does not fit the context.
Option B:
"At" correctly indicates skill or ability in planning.
Option C:
"In" is used to indicate a state or condition but does not fit here as well as "at."
Option D:
Not applicable since option B is correct.
20.
People working here have to work under ..... pressure.
A) High.
B) Big.
C) Large.
D) Constant.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Constant" is the correct choice because it emphasizes an ongoing, unchanging state of pressure that people experience in their work environment. This word implies a persistent and consistent nature of the pressure, which fits well with the context of the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"High" is also a valid adjective for describing pressure but does not convey the same sense of ongoing or continuous state as "constant."
Option B:
"Big" can be used to describe pressure, but it is less precise and specific than "high" or "constant." It lacks the connotation of a consistent nature.
Option C:
"Large" is similar to "big" in its usage for describing pressure; however, like "big," it does not convey the sense of ongoing or continuous state as well as "constant."
Option D:
"Constant" accurately conveys a persistent and unchanging nature of the pressure, making it the best fit.
21.
Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village is ..... located near the Walt Disney World Theme Parks, so you're never far from the fun.
A) Easily.
B) Comfortably.
C) Conveniently.
D) Entirely.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Conveniently" is the correct choice because it accurately describes the ease and accessibility of the location relative to the Walt Disney World Theme Parks. The word "conveniently" implies that the location is well-suited for quick access, which fits the context of being near theme parks.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Easily" suggests a lack of difficulty but does not capture the idea of accessibility as well as "conveniently."
Option B:
"Comfortably" implies a state of ease or relaxation, which is not relevant to the context of location.
Option C:
"Conveniently" fits perfectly as it means being in a good position for quick access or use.
Option D:
"Entirely" suggests completeness but does not convey the idea of accessibility or ease of access to the theme parks.
22.
She ..... opposes to the new political decisions of the left wing.
A) Somewhat.
B) Totally.
C) Bitterly.
D) Strongly.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Strongly" is the correct choice because it indicates a high degree of opposition, which fits well with the context of opposing new political decisions. This adjective conveys a strong intensity that aligns with the forcefulness implied by "opposes."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Somewhat" suggests a moderate level of disagreement, which is too mild for the context.
Option B:
"Totally" implies complete opposition but might be considered too extreme in this case without additional emphasis.
Option C:
"Bitterly" conveys intense dislike or hatred, which may be more appropriate if the opposition is due to personal reasons rather than political stance.
Option D:
"Strongly" appropriately indicates a high degree of opposition without being overly extreme.
23.
Jim has it all and the ..... dissatisfaction that goes with it.
A) Large.
B) Big.
C) Deep.
D) Strong.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "Jim has it all" suggests that Jim possesses everything he could desire, which implies a sense of completeness and satisfaction. However, the sentence states that there is still some dissatisfaction present. Among the options provided, "Deep" best captures this nuanced feeling of dissatisfaction that runs deep within despite having achieved much.
-
Option A:
Large - This suggests a significant but not necessarily profound level of dissatisfaction.
-
Option B:
Big - Similar to Option A, it implies a substantial dissatisfaction but lacks the depth implied by "Deep."
-
Option C:
Deep - This accurately conveys that the dissatisfaction is profound and goes beyond surface-level feelings.
-
Option D:
Strong - While this suggests intensity, it does not convey as well the idea of something going deep within one's psyche or emotions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Large - Suggests a significant but not necessarily profound level of dissatisfaction.
Option B:
Big - Similar to Option A, it implies a substantial dissatisfaction but lacks the depth implied by "Deep."
Option C:
Deep - This accurately conveys that the dissatisfaction is profound and goes deep within one's psyche or emotions.
Option D:
Strong - While this suggests intensity, it does not convey as well the idea of something going deep within one's psyche or emotions.
24.
Which adverb + adjective collocation is used to describe someone who is seriously hurt?
A) Bitterly disappointed.
B) Blissfully unaware.
C) Completely different.
D) Badly injured.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Badly injured.
This adverb-adjective collocation accurately describes someone who has suffered a severe injury, indicating the seriousness of their condition.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Bitterly disappointed" refers to feeling very upset or frustrated. It does not describe physical harm.
Option B:
"Blissfully unaware" means being happily and ignorantly ignorant of something, which is unrelated to injury.
Option C:
"Completely different" describes a change in nature or appearance but does not indicate any form of physical harm.
Option D:
"Badly injured" directly indicates serious bodily damage, making it the correct choice for describing someone who is seriously hurt.
25.
Which adjective does NOT collocate?painfully .....
A) Shy.
B) Bored.
C) Aware.
D) Obvious.
E) Slow.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The adjective "painfully" typically collocates with adjectives that describe physical sensations, emotions, or experiences that are unpleasant or difficult to endure. Let's analyze each option:
-
Option A: Shy.
"Painfully shy" is a common phrase.
-
Option B: Bored.
While possible, "painfully bored" is less natural and not as commonly used compared to other options.
-
Option C: Aware.
"Painfully aware" can be used but is less frequent than the others.
-
Option D: Obvious.
"Painfully obvious" is a common phrase.
-
Option E: Slow.
"Painfully slow" is also a common phrase.
Among these, "bored" (Option B) does not naturally collocate with "painfully," making it the least suitable choice for this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Commonly used.
Option B:
Less natural and common usage.
Option C:
Possible but less frequent.
Option D:
Commonly used.
Option E:
Commonly used.
26.
It it ..... believed that being ambitious is negative.
A) Overly.
B) Highly.
C) Commonly.
D) Randomly.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Commonly" is the correct choice because it accurately conveys that the belief about being ambitious being negative is a widespread opinion, shared by many people in society.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Overly" suggests something excessive or to an extreme degree, which does not fit the context of describing a common belief.
Option B:
"Highly" implies a strong or intense manner, which is not appropriate for expressing that a belief is widely held.
Option C:
"Commonly" correctly indicates that this belief is shared by many people, making it the most suitable choice.
Option D:
"Randomly" suggests something happening without any particular pattern or reason, which does not fit the context of describing a widespread belief.
27.
Which adjective can collocate with "apartment" ?
A) Two-bedroom.
B) Main.
C) Deprived.
D) Tree-lined.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Two-bedroom is a correct adjective-noun collocation with "apartment." Adjectives like "two-bedroom" directly describe the characteristics of an apartment, indicating its features such as the number of bedrooms.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Two-bedroom" describes a specific feature of an apartment.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Main" typically refers to something primary or principal, not a characteristic of apartments like number of bedrooms.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Deprived" suggests a lack or deficiency and does not describe the physical attributes of an apartment.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Tree-lined" describes surroundings but not the interior features of an apartment directly.
28.
Not wearing a mask these days when going out is ..... forbidden.
A) Strictly.
B) Leniently.
C) Ridiculously.
D) Strongly.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Strictly.
This choice reflects the current stringent measures and guidelines regarding mask-wearing in public spaces, emphasizing the mandatory nature of wearing masks to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates a strict adherence to mask-wearing rules.
Option B:
Incorrect. Implies leniency which does not match current health guidelines.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Ridiculously" suggests an exaggerated or unreasonable approach, which is not the case with public health measures.
Option D:
Incorrect. While "Strongly" conveys a firm stance, it does not capture the level of strictness implied by current guidelines.
29.
He has been ..... injured in the accident.
A) Seriously.
B) Bitterly.
C) Deeply.
D) Virtually.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Seriously" is the correct choice because it directly modifies and describes the nature of the injury, indicating that the injury was significant and severe. This adjective fits well with the context of an accident where one might be injured.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Seriously" appropriately describes a severe injury.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Bitterly" implies strong negative emotion, not severity of injury.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Deeply" suggests emotional impact rather than physical severity.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Virtually" means almost or practically, which does not fit the context of describing an injury.
30.
He can't understand math. Whenever he does an exercise, .....
A) He's always hopelessly wrong.
B) He's simply unacceptable.
C) He's vaguely familiar.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because the phrase "He's always hopelessly wrong" accurately describes a situation where someone consistently fails to understand math, which aligns with the context of the sentence about not understanding exercises in mathematics.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Describes consistent failure in understanding and solving math problems.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Unacceptable" does not fit the context of consistently misunderstanding or failing to solve math exercises.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Vaguely familiar" implies some level of recognition, which contradicts the statement about not understanding math.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are adjective and noun collocations?
Adjective and noun collocations refer to the common combinations of adjectives with nouns that occur frequently in English. These pairs often sound more natural and are used idiomatically, enhancing the fluency and accuracy of speech and writing.
Why are adjective and noun collocations important?
Understanding adjective and noun collocations is crucial for improving language proficiency, as they help in expressing ideas more precisely and naturally. They also contribute to a better understanding of English grammar and usage.
How do adverb-adjective collocations differ from adjective-noun collocations?
Adverb-adjective collocations involve an adverb modifying an adjective, such as "very happy," while adjective-noun collocations combine a specific adjective with its corresponding noun, like "big mistake." Both are important for natural language use but serve different grammatical functions.
Can you give an example of an idiomatic expression involving adjective and noun collocations?
Certainly, the phrase "disappointed in" is a common idiomatic expression where "disappointed" modifies "in," indicating feelings about something or someone. This type of collocation is essential for conveying nuanced meanings.
How can I improve my knowledge of adjective and noun collocations?
To enhance your understanding, you can read extensively in English, pay attention to natural language use, and consult resources like corpora or linguistic databases that provide examples of common collocations. Practice using them in context will also help solidify their usage.