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Idiomatic Expressions With Prepositions – Quiz 1
Idiomatic Expressions With Prepositions Quiz 1 (10 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates students' understanding and usage of idiomatic expressions with prepositions. It assesses their ability to recognize, comprehend, and use idioms in context, reflecting on their speaking skills and stepping out of their comfort zone.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
When performing ..... an audience, even extroverts can feel nervous ..... heart.
A) Before / at.
B) Among / with.
C) In / on.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Before / at.
The phrase "before an audience" is a common idiomatic expression indicating the situation of being in front of listeners, which can make even extroverts feel nervous. "At heart" means essentially or fundamentally.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Before an audience" and "at heart" fit naturally into the sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Among / with" do not fit well in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "In / on" are less suitable for this idiomatic expression.
Option D:
Incorrect. None of the other options work properly in the sentence.
2.
As I get older, I prefer spending time ..... my own.
A) By.
B) On.
C) At.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) On.
The phrase "spending time on one's own" is an idiomatic expression that means to spend time alone, without the company of others. This usage of "on" is specific and commonly accepted in English.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"By" typically indicates a means or method (e.g., "I will get there by car"). It does not fit this context.
Option B:
"On" is correct for the idiomatic expression "spending time on one's own."
Option C:
"At" usually indicates a location (e.g., "at home") and does not fit here.
Option D:
Not applicable as "On" is correct.
3.
Some people change ..... introverts ..... extroverts depending on the situation.
A) From / into.
B) To / by.
C) In / over.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) From / into.
This idiomatic expression indicates a change from one state to another, specifically changing from being an introvert to becoming an extrovert depending on the situation. The prepositions "from" and "into" are commonly used in such contexts to denote transformation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates a change from one state (introvert) to another (extrovert).
Option B:
Incorrect. "To / by" does not fit the context of changing states.
Option C:
Incorrect. "In / over" is not typically used in this idiom for state changes.
Option D:
Incorrect. The correct answer is provided by Option A.
4.
People often talk ..... the pressure society puts ..... us to be extroverted.
A) About / on.
B) In / for.
C) Over / into.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) About / on.
The phrase "talk about" is commonly used to discuss topics, and "put pressure on" is a common idiom meaning to exert influence or force someone to do something. Thus, the sentence should read: "People often talk about the pressure society puts on us to be extroverted."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Talk about" and "put pressure on" are appropriate idiomatic expressions.
Option B:
Incorrect. "In for" does not fit the context of discussing societal pressures.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Over into" is not a correct idiom in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option A is valid, so "None of the above" is not applicable.
5.
I find it fascinating how some people open ..... when they speak another language.
A) Up.
B) Out.
C) Away.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The idiomatic expression "open up" is commonly used in English to describe the act of becoming more expressive, honest, or forthcoming when speaking about personal matters or emotions. Therefore, option A) Up is correct as it fits this idiom.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Open up" means to become more open and communicative.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Out" does not fit the context of the idiom.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Away" does not fit the context of the idiom.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
6.
Many teachers find they thrive ..... the structure and control of a classroom.
A) Under.
B) In.
C) By.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "in" is correct here because it properly conveys the idea that many teachers find they thrive within the environment of a classroom, which includes its structure and control.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Under - This would imply being beneath or below the structure and control, which does not fit the context.
Option B:
In - Correct. It indicates thriving within the classroom environment.
Option C:
By - This preposition is typically used to indicate means or methods, not environments or settings.
Option D:
None of the above - Not applicable since "in" fits the context perfectly.
7.
It's important to reflect ..... how we present ourselves to others, even if it means stepping ..... of our comfort zone.
A) In / out.
B) On / out.
C) At / into.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) On / out.
The phrase "It's important to reflect on how we present ourselves to others" uses the preposition "on" with the verb "reflect," which means considering or thinking about something carefully. Additionally, "even if it means stepping out of our comfort zone" correctly uses "out of" as a phrasal verb meaning to move from one place or situation to another that is different.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
In / out - Incorrect placement of prepositions.
Option B:
On / out - Correct usage as explained.
Option C:
At / into - Incorrect phrasal verb and preposition combination.
Option D:
None of the above - Not applicable since option B is correct.
8.
I don't feel comfortable ..... large crowds unless I'm surrounded ..... familiar faces.
A) In / with.
B) At / by.
C) Among / around.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) In / with.
The phrase "I don't feel comfortable in large crowds" uses the preposition "in," which is appropriate for expressing discomfort within a setting or situation. Additionally, "unless I'm surrounded with familiar faces" employs "with," indicating being accompanied by something (familiar faces).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses "in" and "with" appropriately.
Option B:
Incorrect. "At" is not typically used for this context, and "by" does not fit the meaning of being surrounded by something.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Among" suggests being one of many, while "around" implies proximity but doesn't capture the sense of being surrounded as well as "with."
Option D:
Not applicable since option A is correct.
9.
When I was younger, I often kept ..... myself, avoiding the spotlight.
A) From.
B) To.
C) By.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) To.
The phrase "keep to oneself" is an idiomatic expression meaning to remain isolated or separate from others, often avoiding social interaction or the spotlight. This idiom uses "to" to indicate a state of being apart.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
From - Incorrect as "from" does not fit the context of remaining alone.
Option B:
To - Correct, fits the idiom "keep to oneself."
Option C:
By - Incorrect as "by" does not make sense in this context.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect since "to" is the correct answer.
10.
Being a teacher requires you to put yourself ..... there and be comfortable speaking ..... front of others.
A) Out / at.
B) On / before.
C) Out / in.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is C) Out / in.
"Out there" means being present and engaged, while "in front of" refers to the position relative to others when speaking. This idiomatic expression emphasizes a teacher's need to be fully involved and comfortable addressing an audience.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because "out" does not fit naturally with "front of."
Option B:
Incorrect as "on" is less commonly used in this context.
Option C:
Correct for the reasons explained above.
Option D:
Not applicable since option C is correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are idiomatic expressions with prepositions?
Idiomatic expressions with prepositions are phrases where the meaning of the expression is not directly related to the individual words but includes a specific preposition that changes its overall meaning.
Why are idiomatic expressions with prepositions important in learning English?
Understanding these expressions is crucial because they are commonly used in everyday conversation and writing, helping learners to sound more natural and fluent.
How do idiomatic expressions with prepositions differ from regular phrases?
Unlike regular phrases, idiomatic expressions with prepositions often have meanings that are figurative or metaphorical and cannot be understood by the individual words alone.
Can you give an example of an idiomatic expression with a preposition?
Sure, "on time" is an idiomatic expression where the preposition "on" changes the meaning from its literal sense to indicate punctuality.
How can I improve my understanding of these expressions?
Reading widely, listening to native speakers, and using language learning resources that focus on idiomatic expressions can help enhance your comprehension and usage of such phrases.