This quiz works best with JavaScript enabled.
Home
>
English Grammar
>
Grammar
>
Advanced
>
Corpus Linguistics
>
Multi Word Expressions – Quiz 1
Multi Word Expressions Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates students' understanding of multi-word expressions in English, including their ability to identify parts of speech, recognize idiomatic phrases, and understand grammatical correctness. It covers concepts such as subject-verb agreement, phrasal verbs, prepositional phrases, and synonym identification.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Choose the correct multi-word verbs form!
A) Do you want to try the new guitar I got for my birthday out?.
B) Do you want to try out the new guitar I got for my birthday?.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because "try out" is a common multi-word verb phrase that means to test something to see if it works well or suits you. In this context, asking someone if they want to try out the guitar implies giving them an opportunity to experiment with it.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Try" alone is not a multi-word verb in this context and does not convey the same meaning as "try out."
Option B:
Correct. Uses the appropriate multi-word verb "try out."
Option C:
Incorrect. Option A is also incorrect, so it cannot be correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct option (B).
2.
It's really cold outside. Please,
A) Put off.
B) Put on.
C) Put out.
D) Put in.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Put on" is the correct answer because it directly relates to the context of being cold and needing to wear more clothing. The phrase "put on" means to add clothes or layers, which is appropriate for dealing with a cold environment.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Put off - This means to delay or postpone, not relevant to the context of being cold.
Option B:
Put on - Correct. Means to add clothes or layers for warmth.
Option C:
Put out - Typically means to extinguish a fire or light, not related to wearing clothing.
Option D:
Put in - Can mean to insert or install, but is not the appropriate phrase for adding clothes when it's cold.
3.
Which of the following sentences includes a prepositional phrase?
A) Moby is a robot.
B) Moby kicked the football.
C) Moby kicked the football between the goalposts.
D) Moby's team made three points.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C includes a prepositional phrase: "between the goalposts."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No prepositional phrases.
Option B:
No prepositional phrases.
Option C:
Correct, includes a prepositional phrase "between the goalposts."
Option D:
No prepositional phrases.
4.
What does 'handed in' signify?
A) Throwing something away.
B) Taking something back.
C) Submitting or giving something to someone in authority or a designated recipient.
D) Ignoring someone's request.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Handed in" signifies submitting or giving something to someone in authority or a designated recipient, which aligns with Option C.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Throwing something away. Incorrect as "handed in" implies handing over, not disposing of.
Option B:
Taking something back. Incorrect as it involves returning rather than submitting or giving to someone else.
Option C:
Submitting or giving something to someone in authority or a designated recipient. Correct definition.
Option D:
Ignoring someone's request. Incorrect as "handed in" indicates compliance with a request, not ignoring it.
5.
I didn't like the film. I totally agree ..... you.
A) On.
B) With.
C) To.
D) For.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) With.
The phrase "I totally agree with you" is a common expression used to indicate agreement. In the given sentence, "you" should be replaced by "with you" to maintain proper grammar and convey the intended meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
On - This preposition does not fit in this context.
Option B:
With - Correct usage for agreement.
Option C:
To - This preposition is not appropriate here.
Option D:
For - This preposition does not make sense in this sentence structure.
6.
..... and listen to me.
A) Pick up.
B) Give up.
C) Break down.
D) Sit down.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "and listen to me" suggests a calm and composed action, which aligns with the act of sitting down (Option D). Sitting down can imply attentiveness and readiness to hear someone out, making it a suitable response in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Pick up - This implies an action that is less likely to be associated with listening attentively.
Option B:
Give up - This suggests surrendering, which does not fit the context of listening.
Option C:
Break down - This could mean emotional collapse or physical failure, neither of which are appropriate for listening.
Option D:
Sit down - This action is conducive to attentiveness and listening, making it the correct choice.
7.
Which of these questions is grammatically wrong?
A) What time did you wake me up this morning?.
B) What time did wake you up this morning?.
C) What time did you wake him up this morning?.
D) What time did you wake up this morning?.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is grammatically wrong because it lacks the reflexive pronoun "you" after "wake". The correct form should include "you" to maintain proper subject-verb agreement and clarity in the sentence structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Proper use of reflexive pronoun.
Option B:
Incorrect. Missing reflexive pronoun "you".
Option C:
Correct. Uses a different reflexive pronoun but still correct.
Option D:
Correct. Simplified and still grammatically right.
8.
Despite technological advancements, long-haul truck drivers still rely heavily on ..... to navigate complex road networks efficiently, reducing fuel consumption and improving route optimization.
A) Satnav.
B) Air con.
C) Receipt.
D) PTO.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Satnav, short for satellite navigation, is the correct answer because it refers to GPS technology used by truck drivers to navigate complex road networks efficiently. This helps in reducing fuel consumption and improving route optimization.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Satnav - Correct. Satellite navigation systems like GPS are essential for efficient long-haul driving.
Option B:
Air con - Incorrect. Air conditioning is not related to navigation or fuel efficiency in this context.
Option C:
Receipt - Incorrect. A receipt has no relevance to navigation technology or route optimization.
Option D:
PTO - Incorrect. PTO stands for Power Take-Off and refers to a mechanical system, not navigation tools.
9.
Uh-oh, I don't think we can make guaca mole, we've ..... avocados!
A) Run away of.
B) Run out of.
C) Run away with.
D) Run over with.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Run out of.
This phrase means to use up all of something, leaving none left. In the context of making guacamole, if you don't have any avocados, you would say "we've run out of avocados" because you no longer have enough to make the dish.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Run away of. This is grammatically incorrect and does not fit the context.
Option B:
Run out of. Correct phrase meaning to use up all of something, leaving none left.
Option C:
Run away with. Means to take something without permission or leave quickly, which doesn't fit the context.
Option D:
Run over with. Implies an abundance, which is not applicable here since you don’t have any avocados left.
10.
Wear especially smart or colourful clothes, for a party
A) Go off.
B) Dress down.
C) Dress up.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Go off" means to leave or depart, which does not fit the context of dressing for a party. "Dress down" means to wear casual clothes, which is opposite to what the question suggests. "None of the above" is incorrect because "dress up" fits perfectly as it means to wear smart or colourful clothes for an occasion like a party.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Go off - Incorrect; means to leave.
Option B:
Dress down - Incorrect; means to wear casual clothes.
Option C:
Dress up - Correct; means to wear smart or colourful clothes for a party.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect; "dress up" is correct.
11.
The other kids PICKED things ..... UP really quick.
A) Out.
B) In.
C) Up.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "picked things up" is a multi-word expression meaning to collect or gather items quickly. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Up.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Out - Incorrect as it does not fit the context of collecting items.
Option B:
In - Incorrect as it implies putting things inside something, not picking them up.
Option C:
Up - Correct as it is part of the multi-word expression meaning to collect or gather quickly.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect as Option C is correct.
12.
Although the fashion industry is known for being fast-paced, critics argue that certain high-profile designers are simply ..... , seeking financial gain rather than contributing meaningful artistic expression.
A) Barking up the wrong tree.
B) Pulling a fast one.
C) Under the weather.
D) On the make.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Pulling a fast one" means to deceive someone by using a trick, which does not fit the context of designers seeking financial gain without contributing meaningful artistic expression.
"On the make" is an idiom that means trying to get rich or successful in a quick and often dishonest way. This fits well with the idea of high-profile designers focusing on financial gain over artistic contribution.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Barking up the wrong tree - means pursuing a mistaken course of action.
Option B:
Pulling a fast one - means deceiving someone with a trick.
Option C:
Under the weather - means feeling ill or in poor health.
Option D:
On the make - means trying to get rich or successful quickly, often dishonestly.
13.
..... Mike, the film was good. But in my opinion it was boring.
A) Except for.
B) From.
C) According to.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Except for" is used to indicate that something is true in general, but there are some exceptions. In this sentence, "But in my opinion it was boring" can be seen as an exception to the positive statement about the film being good.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Except for" introduces a contrast or exception.
Option B:
Incorrect. "From" does not introduce exceptions in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "According to" indicates source or authority, not an exception.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
14.
This milk tastes funny. I don't think it's fresh any more.
A) Wear off.
B) Go off.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Go off" is the correct choice here because it means to become spoiled, especially food that has gone bad. This fits well with the context of the milk tasting funny and not being fresh anymore.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Wear off - This phrase typically refers to something gradually disappearing or fading, such as a stain or effect.
Option B:
Go off - Correct. It means the milk has spoiled and is no longer fresh.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect because "wear off" does not fit the context of the sentence.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect as "go off" fits the context perfectly.
15.
Last weekend she talked ..... me about my new job.
A) To.
B) From.
C) At.
D) With.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "with" is correct because it indicates that she talked to the speaker about their new job, suggesting an exchange of information between two people.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"To" typically introduces a recipient but does not fit well in this context as it would imply a direct object rather than an interaction.
Option B:
"From" indicates origin or source, which is not applicable here since the sentence describes talking to someone about something.
Option C:
"At" is used for location and does not make sense in this context as it would imply a place rather than an interaction.
Option D:
"With" correctly indicates that she talked to the speaker, making it the appropriate choice.
16.
He was wearing a tight-fitting jacket.
A) Loose and soft.
B) Made of leather.
C) Fits very closely to the body.
D) Formal and old-fashioned.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"tight-fitting" directly implies that the jacket fits very closely to the body, making option C correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Loose and soft - Contradicts "tight-fitting".
Option B:
Made of leather - Not specified in the sentence.
Option C:
Fits very closely to the body - Directly matches "tight-fitting".
Option D:
Formal and old-fashioned - No indication in the sentence.
17.
Leo has always had a very good relationship with his boss.
A) Pick up.
B) Get on with.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Get on with" is the correct choice here as it means to have a good relationship or work well together, which fits the context of Leo and his boss having a very good relationship.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Pick up" typically means to start doing something or to learn something, not necessarily relating to relationships.
Option B:
"Get on with" is correct as it means to have a good relationship or work well together.
Option C:
This option includes A and B; since only B fits the context, this is incorrect.
Option D:
"None of the above" is not applicable because B correctly describes the situation.
18.
Hurry up! ..... your shoes! We are late to school!
A) Put out.
B) Put in.
C) Put over.
D) Put on.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Put on.
The phrase "put on" is a multi-word expression that means to place clothing or footwear onto oneself. In the context of the sentence, it makes sense to tell someone to put their shoes on because you are late for school.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Put out - This phrase typically refers to extinguishing a fire or putting something to rest, which does not fit the context.
Option B:
Put in - This usually means inserting something into a place, such as a key into a lock, and is not appropriate for shoes.
Option C:
Put over - This phrase can mean to cover or transfer, but it does not fit the context of wearing shoes.
Option D:
Put on - Correct usage in this context as it means to wear clothing or footwear.
19.
I'm really making heavy weather of this essay. I don't know why it's taking so long. What does this mean?
A) I'm getting bored of it.
B) I'm writing something too emotional.
C) I'm progressing slowly and with difficulty.
D) I'm trying to finish it too quickly.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "I'm really making heavy weather of this essay" means that the speaker is finding it difficult to progress with their writing, taking more time than expected due to challenges in composition. This aligns with option C: I'm progressing slowly and with difficulty.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Getting bored isn't indicated by "making heavy weather." Boredom is a state of mind unrelated to the effort or progress.
Option B:
Writing something too emotional doesn't necessarily imply difficulty in progressing. Emotionality can be expressed without hindering writing speed.
Option C:
Correct. "Making heavy weather" directly conveys the idea of struggling and taking a long time to write, indicating slow progress with difficulty.
Option D:
Trying to finish too quickly is not suggested by the phrase. The speaker isn't rushing but rather facing challenges that are making the process lengthy.
20.
Choose the correct multi-word Verbs!
A) Do you want to try out it?.
B) Do you want to try it out?.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because "try out" is a common multi-word verb in English, which means to test or experiment with something to see if it works or suits you. The phrase "try it out" is grammatically correct and commonly used.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect due to the placement of "it." It should be "try it out."
Option B:
Correct as explained.
Option C:
Incorrect because only option B is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect as there is a correct answer (B).
21.
What's the sinonym of "select" ?
A) Set up.
B) Pick out.
C) Throw away.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Pick out" is a synonym of "select." Both verbs mean to choose from a group or set, making them interchangeable in many contexts.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Set up does not mean the same as select. It refers to arranging or preparing something.
Option B:
Pick out is correct as it means to choose or select from a group.
Option C:
Throw away means to discard or dispose of, which is unrelated to selecting.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect since "pick out" is indeed a synonym for "select."
22.
Select the word that is a preposition.
A) Laugh.
B) Desk.
C) Under.
D) Teacher.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "Under" is a preposition used to indicate the position of one object in relation to another, specifically below it.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Laugh. - Verb
Option B:
Desk. - Noun
Option C:
Under. - Preposition
Option D:
Teacher. - Noun
23.
Does your little brother ..... ghosts?
A) Believe.
B) Believe in.
C) Believe in with.
D) Believe about.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Believe in" is the correct phrase to use when referring to abstract concepts such as ghosts, which are not physical entities but beliefs or superstitions. "Does your little brother believe in ghosts?" is a grammatically correct sentence using this multi-word expression.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Believe" alone does not specify the object of belief.
Option B:
Correct. "Believe in" is the appropriate phrase for abstract concepts like ghosts.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Believe in with" is not a standard English expression and would be awkward to use.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Believe about" is not typically used when referring to beliefs in abstract concepts; it's more commonly used for factual statements or opinions about something.
24.
Can you ..... my dog while I'm away on vacation?
A) Take into.
B) Take after.
C) Look after.
D) Look into.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Look after" is the correct choice because it means to take care of someone or something, which fits well in the context of caring for a dog while you are away on vacation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Take into" typically means to bring inside or consider, not suitable for caring for a pet.
Option B:
"Take after" is used to describe someone resembling another person, irrelevant in this context.
Option C:
"Look after" correctly means to take care of, appropriate for the situation described.
Option D:
"Look into" usually means to investigate or examine, not suitable for caring for a pet.
25.
Which of these multi-word verbs matches to this definition:To have one's relationship with someone completely diminished, typically due to an argument or unpleasant incident.
A) Fall out with somebody.
B) Get away with somebody.
C) Go on about somebody.
D) Look up to somebody.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Fall out with somebody" is the correct answer because it means to have a serious disagreement or argument that leads to a breakdown in a relationship, which matches the definition provided.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Means to have a serious disagreement leading to a breakdown in a relationship.
Option B:
Incorrect. Means to succeed in doing something without being caught or punished.
Option C:
Incorrect. Means to talk about someone too much, often complaining about them.
Option D:
Incorrect. Means to respect someone greatly and admire their qualities or achievements.
26.
Explain the phrase 'came round'.
A) To have a round shape.
B) To change one's opinion or decision after initially being against something.
C) To be physically present.
D) To arrive at a location.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "came round" is an idiomatic expression that means to change one's opinion or decision after initially being against something. This usage reflects a shift in perspective or attitude, often due to new information or persuasion.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. It refers to having a round shape, which is unrelated to changing opinions.
Option B:
Correct. This accurately describes the meaning of "came round" in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. Being physically present does not relate to altering one's opinion or decision.
Option D:
Incorrect. Arriving at a location is unrelated to changing opinions or decisions.
27.
Complete freedom or authority to act
A) De facto.
B) Ad hoc.
C) Carte blanche.
D) Ex post facto.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Carte blanche is the correct term for "complete freedom or authority to act." It means having unlimited power and no restrictions on what one can do, which aligns with the definition provided in the question.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
De facto refers to something that is true in practice but not necessarily by law. This does not match the given definition.
Option B:
Ad hoc means created or done for a particular purpose, often without long-term planning. It does not imply complete freedom or authority.
Option C:
Carte blanche is correct as it directly translates to "blank paper" in French and signifies unrestricted power or permission.
Option D:
Ex post facto means something that is done after an event has occurred, often relating to laws. It does not fit the definition of complete freedom or authority to act.
28.
For or concerned with one specific purpose; improvised or impromptu
A) Ad hoc.
B) Derring-do.
C) Higgledy-piggledy.
D) De facto.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Ad hoc refers to something that is created, done, or chosen for a particular purpose and not as part of a general plan. This aligns with the description given in the question, which mentions "specific purpose" and "improvised or impromptu."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Ad hoc matches the definition provided.
Option B:
Derring-do means daring deeds or brave actions; it does not fit the context of a specific purpose or improvisation.
Option C:
Higgledy-piggledy describes something in a messy, jumbled manner; it is unrelated to the concept of a specific purpose or improvisation.
Option D:
De facto means in fact or actually existing, regardless of official status; this term does not relate to the idea of a specific purpose or improvisation.
29.
When do you 'join in'?
A) When you eat.
B) When you actively participate or become involved in something.
C) When you sleep.
D) When you walk.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Join in" means to start participating or becoming involved in an activity that is already underway. This aligns with Option B, which states "When you actively participate or become involved in something." It does not refer to eating (Option A), sleeping (Option C), or walking (Option D).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Eating is a physical action but not related to joining an activity.
Option B:
Correct, as it describes actively participating in something.
Option C:
Sleeping is unrelated to the concept of joining or participating in activities.
Option D:
Walking is a physical action but does not necessarily imply participation in an activity.
30.
I sent my order, ..... a check for $ 40.
A) Astride.
B) According to.
C) Together with.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Together with" is the correct choice because it indicates that the check for $40 was sent along with the order, emphasizing the simultaneous nature of both actions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Astride" means to sit or ride on (two things) at the same time. It does not fit in this context.
Option B:
"According to" means based on or as stated by something. It is not appropriate here.
Option C:
"Together with" correctly indicates that both actions (sending the order and sending the check) occurred concurrently. This is why it is correct.
Option D:
Since Option C is correct, this option does not apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are multi-word expressions?
Multi-word expressions are phrases in English that consist of more than one word and function as a single unit with a specific meaning, often different from the literal combination of their individual words. Examples include phrasal verbs like "look up" or prepositional phrases like "in spite of."
How do multi-word expressions differ from other types of phrases?
Multi-word expressions are distinct because they often have meanings that go beyond the sum of their parts, and they can behave as single units in a sentence. Unlike simple noun or verb combinations, these expressions may include prepositions, reflexive pronouns, or other elements that change their overall meaning.
Why are multi-word expressions important to learn?
Understanding and using multi-word expressions is crucial for effective communication in English. They are commonly used in both spoken and written language, making them essential for fluency and natural-sounding speech.
Can you give an example of a multi-word expression involving reflexive pronouns?
Certainly. The phrase "by oneself" is a multi-word expression that includes a reflexive pronoun and has a specific meaning, such as in the sentence "She completed the task by herself," where "by herself" means she did it alone.
How can I improve my understanding of multi-word expressions?
To enhance your knowledge, you can read extensively in English, pay attention to common collocations and idioms, and use resources like corpora or language learning apps that focus on these expressions. Practice using them in context will also help solidify their meanings and usage.