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Idiomatic Prepositions – Quiz 1
Idiomatic Prepositions Quiz 1 (23 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates students' understanding of idiomatic prepositions in various contexts, including sentence structure, relative clauses, and formal expressions. It assesses their ability to choose appropriate prepositions, use them correctly in idioms, and understand relationships between concepts like time, location, and cause and effect.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
What does a preposition show in a sentence?
A) A relationship between ideas.
B) A word's emotional tone.
C) Whether a verb is regular.
D) How long a sentence is.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A preposition in a sentence shows the relationship between ideas, indicating how different parts of the sentence are connected in terms of time, place, direction, and other concepts.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Prepositions establish relationships between nouns, pronouns, or phrases and other words in a sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect. The emotional tone of a word is not indicated by prepositions; this function is typically handled by adjectives or adverbs.
Option C:
Incorrect. Prepositions do not determine whether a verb is regular or irregular; that distinction relates to the form and conjugation of verbs.
Option D:
Incorrect. The length of a sentence is not influenced by prepositions; it depends on the number and complexity of clauses, phrases, and words used.
2.
He had the heart of a lamb, he had the hide of a wolf.
A) Lamb. While he.
B) NO CHANGE.
C) Lamb, but he.
D) Lamb. Although he.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "He had the heart of a lamb, he had the hide of a wolf" uses idiomatic prepositions to contrast two contrasting qualities: gentleness and toughness. Option C correctly rephrases this by using "but," which effectively conveys the contrast between his gentle nature (heart of a lamb) and his tough exterior (hide of a wolf).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it does not properly convey the contrast.
Option B:
Incorrect as "NO CHANGE" would keep the original phrasing, which is grammatically awkward.
Option C:
Correct as it uses "but" to effectively contrast the two qualities.
Option D:
Incorrect as "Although he" does not fit naturally in this context and disrupts the flow of the sentence.
3.
They agreed ..... the others; the dinner was fantastic.
A) With.
B) To.
C) On.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "with" is used to indicate agreement among people, which fits the context of the sentence where they agreed on something (the dinner being fantastic).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "They agreed with the others" means they had a common opinion or decision.
Option B:
Incorrect. "To" is typically used to indicate purpose, not agreement.
Option C:
Incorrect. "On" can be used for agreement but in this context, "with" sounds more natural and idiomatic.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
4.
Which improves the phrase "in a method for helping" ?
A) As a method to help.
B) In a method to helping.
C) By a method of helping.
D) In the method for help.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) As a method to help.
This option uses the preposition "as" correctly, indicating that something is used in a particular capacity or role. The phrase "As a method to help" sounds natural and grammatically correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly uses "as" to indicate the method's purpose.
Option B:
Incorrect use of "in"; it should be "to" after "method." Also, "helping" is a gerund but not necessary here.
Option C:
Uses "by," which implies means or agency rather than purpose. "Of helping" is redundant and awkward.
Option D:
Incorrect use of "in"; it should be "to" after "method." Also, "help" needs to be a gerund for consistency with "the method."
5.
The book from which the movie is based is considered superior by critics but is not nearly as well known.
A) To.
B) In.
C) NO CHANGE.
D) On.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "on" is correctly used here to indicate the basis of the movie, meaning that the book serves as the source material for the film adaptation. This usage aligns with common idiomatic expressions where "on" denotes a relationship or origin.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
To does not fit grammatically in this context.
Option B:
In is typically used to indicate the setting or time, not the basis of an adaptation.
Option C:
NO CHANGE implies no correction was needed, but "on" is actually the correct preposition here.
Option D:
On is the correct choice as it properly indicates that the book serves as the source for the movie.
6.
We wanted to do some cool work. After the test.
A) Cool work; after.
B) Cool work after.
C) Cool, work after.
D) NO CHANGE.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "after" in this context is used correctly to indicate a sequence of events, meaning that the action of doing some cool work will follow after the test. Option B maintains proper grammar and structure without any unnecessary words or changes.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; it combines two separate phrases into one, which is not idiomatic.
Option B:
Correct; it uses "after" properly to indicate sequence of events.
Option C:
Incorrect; it adds an unnecessary comma that disrupts the natural flow and meaning.
Option D:
Incorrect; no change is needed as option B already provides the correct structure.
7.
..... the end, the boy fought the burglars off.
A) In.
B) At.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"In" is the correct preposition to use in this context because it indicates a period of time at the end, which is appropriate for describing when an action occurred towards the conclusion of something. "At" would be more suitable if specifying a particular moment or point in time, but here we are talking about the overall ending.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "In" properly indicates the end period.
Option B:
Incorrect. "At" is not appropriate for a general timeframe at the end.
Option C:
Incorrect. "All the above" is not applicable since only one option is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. "None of the above" is incorrect as Option A is correct.
8.
Which phrase uses a common prepositional error?
A) Different from results.
B) Based off of data.
C) Based on data.
D) Inside the folder.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "Based off of data" is incorrect because the preposition "off" does not pair correctly with "based." The correct preposition to use in this context is "on," as seen in "Based on data."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Different from results" uses a proper preposition.
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses the incorrect preposition "off." The correct phrase is "based on."
Option C:
Correct. "Based on data" uses the appropriate preposition.
Option D:
Correct. "Inside the folder" uses a proper preposition.
9.
Yaniellis insisted on watching the news every single night.
A) Insisted in.
B) Insistedby.
C) Insisted to.
D) NO CHANGE.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Yaniellis insisted on watching the news every single night" is grammatically correct as it stands, hence no change is needed. The preposition "on" in this context is used correctly to indicate the activity Yaniellis insisted upon.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Insisted in" is not a proper construction.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Insisted by" does not form a correct prepositional phrase here.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Insisted to" is not the appropriate preposition for this context.
Option D:
Correct. No change needed as the sentence is grammatically sound with "insisted on watching the news."
10.
Just yesterday I sat across the aisle with a woman who was composing music.
A) From.
B) NO CHANGE.
C) To.
D) At.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "from" is incorrect in this context because it does not fit the idiom used to describe sitting next to someone. The correct preposition here would be "across," indicating a position relative to another person, which is represented by option B (NO CHANGE).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; "from" does not fit the idiom for sitting next to someone.
Option B:
Correct; no change needed as "across the aisle with a woman who was composing music" is grammatically correct.
Option C:
Incorrect; "to" implies movement towards, not a position relative to another person.
Option D:
Incorrect; "at" does not fit the idiom for sitting next to someone.
11.
Which sentence uses the preposition correctly?
A) The team met together with the dean.
B) The team met up with the dean.
C) The team met with the dean.
D) The team met at with the dean.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because "with" is the appropriate preposition to use when indicating that two parties are meeting each other. The phrase "met with" is an idiomatic expression in English, meaning a formal or official meeting between people of different ranks or positions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"together with" can be correct but "with the dean" sounds more natural and concise.
Option B:
"up with" is not a standard idiomatic phrase in this context. It could imply an informal or casual meeting, which may not fit the formal tone of the sentence.
Option C:
Correct use of "with" for a formal meeting between the team and the dean.
Option D:
"at with" is incorrect as "at" does not pair well with "with" in this context. The preposition "at" would be used to indicate location, e.g., "The team met at the dean's office."
12.
They like to visit the Art Museum. Which has some great paintings.
A) Museum, which,.
B) Museum, which.
C) Museum; which.
D) NO CHANGE.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Museum, which.
This option uses the appropriate preposition "which" to introduce a non-restrictive relative clause modifying "Museum." The phrase "which has some great paintings" provides additional information about the museum without changing its identity. Using "which" in this context maintains proper grammar and clarity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; a comma is not needed to introduce the relative clause.
Option B:
Correct; uses "which" properly for a non-restrictive relative clause.
Option C:
Incorrect; a semicolon does not connect clauses in this manner.
Option D:
Incorrect; no change from the original sentence would be needed if it were already correct, but "which" is required here.
13.
Every year my high school hosts international exchange students, those teenagers join our senior class.
A) Students they.
B) NO CHANGE.
C) Students, he or she is invited to.
D) Students who.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Students who.
This option uses the relative pronoun "who" to introduce a defining clause that provides additional information about the students, which is appropriate in this context. The phrase "those teenagers join our senior class" requires a relative pronoun to connect it properly with "students."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect use of "they"; no relative pronoun connects the clause.
Option B:
No change needed; correct but not applicable as there is a better option available.
Option C:
Adds unnecessary words and does not properly introduce the clause.
Option D:
Correct use of "who" to connect the relative clause.
14.
In the course of billions of years, millions of stars may sometimes occasionally be concentrated into a region, or regions, only a few light years across, and in these crowded conditions colliding with one another.
A) NO CHANGE.
B) Sometimes, occasionally.
C) Occasionally.
D) Off and on.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "occasionally" is more concise and appropriate for the context than "sometimes, occasionally," which is redundant. "Occasionally" effectively conveys that these events happen from time to time but not frequently.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No change needed as C is correct.
Option B:
Redundant, "sometimes, occasionally" is unnecessary.
Option C:
Correct. Concise and appropriate for the context.
Option D:
"Off and on" implies regularity which isn't suggested by the original text.
15.
Which phrase is a correct idiomatic pairing?
A) Rely at.
B) Afraid at.
C) Consist of.
D) Capable for.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Consist of" is a correct idiomatic pairing, meaning that something is made up of certain parts or elements. For example: "The team consists of five members."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Rely at" is not a correct idiomatic pairing; the correct phrase would be "rely on."
Option B:
"Afraid at" is not a correct idiomatic pairing; the preposition typically used with "afraid" is "of," as in "I am afraid of heights."
Option C:
Correct. "Consist of" is an appropriate and commonly used phrase.
Option D:
"Capable for" is not a correct idiomatic pairing; the correct phrase would be "capable of," as in "He is capable of solving complex problems."
16.
..... the end of the day, Chipotle's guacamole is slightly overpriced.
A) At.
B) In.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "at" is correctly used in this context to indicate the point in time when something occurs, which is at the end of the day. Other options like "in" would be incorrect as it typically denotes a period or location, and "all the above" or "none of the above" do not apply here.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates the time point at the end of the day.
Option B:
Incorrect. "In" is used for periods, not specific points in time like the end of the day.
Option C:
Incorrect. "All the above" would imply both A and B are correct, which they are not.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option A is indeed correct.
17.
Which revision best improves "in light for the findings" ?
A) In light with the findings.
B) In light of the findings.
C) In light to the findings.
D) In light for findings.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) In light of the findings.
This phrase uses the preposition "of" which is idiomatic and commonly used to indicate that something is based on or influenced by certain information or results. The other options are incorrect because they either use inappropriate prepositions (with, to, for) or lack proper grammatical structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"In light with the findings" is incorrect as "in light of" requires the preposition "of."
Option B:
"In light of the findings" is correct and commonly used.
Option C:
"In light to the findings" is grammatically incorrect due to the use of "to" instead of "of."
Option D:
"In light for findings" is also incorrect as it uses "for" instead of "of," and the structure is awkward.
18.
Lobsters are cannibalistic and will feed on each other this is one reason they are difficult to raise in captivity.
A) NO CHANGE.
B) Other, this.
C) Other; and this.
D) Other. This.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is D) Other. This. because it maintains the original structure of the sentence while adding a comma to separate two independent clauses, which is grammatically appropriate in this context. The phrase "Other" introduces an alternative reason for difficulty in raising lobsters in captivity, and "This" refers back to the previous statement about cannibalism.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No change needed; however, the original sentence is grammatically correct with a comma.
Option B:
Incorrect as it suggests using "Other," which does not fit the context properly.
Option C:
Incorrect as it uses a semicolon incorrectly without proper conjunctions or clauses to follow.
Option D:
Correct as it maintains grammatical correctness and clarity in the sentence structure.
19.
When you are finished eating that sandwich, report ..... Rainbow Cone for dessert.
A) For.
B) On.
C) To.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
When reporting something for dessert, the preposition "to" is used to indicate the action of giving or assigning a request. Therefore, "To Rainbow Cone for dessert" correctly conveys that you are requesting the Rainbow Cone as your next course after finishing the sandwich.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
For - Incorrect; "for" is not used to report an action of assigning a request.
Option B:
On - Incorrect; "on" does not fit in this context for reporting dessert.
Option C:
To - Correct; "to" indicates the direction or recipient of the reported action, which is appropriate here.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect; Option C is correct.
20.
The couple agreed ..... a restaurant for dinner.
A) On.
B) To.
C) With.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "on" is correct in this context because it is commonly used to indicate the agreement on a specific place for an activity, such as dining at a restaurant.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "On" is idiomatic when agreeing on a location for dinner.
Option B:
Incorrect. "To" is typically used to indicate purpose or direction, not agreement on a place.
Option C:
Incorrect. "With" is usually used to indicate company or association, not the place of an activity.
Option D:
Not applicable since option A is correct.
21.
Because it was a gorgeous day. They didn't want to fight.
A) Day, they.
B) Day, but they.
C) NO CHANGE.
D) Day. Therefore, they.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Day, they.
This option maintains the original sentence structure and ensures proper use of a preposition ("because") to introduce the reason for their decision not to fight. The phrase "Because it was a gorgeous day" directly explains why "they didn't want to fight."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly uses "Day, they" which maintains the original sentence structure and proper preposition usage.
Option B:
Incorrect as it introduces a conjunction ("but") that does not fit the context of the sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect as it suggests no change, but the correct answer requires a slight adjustment for grammatical correctness.
Option D:
Incorrect as "Therefore" implies a cause-effect relationship that is not present in the original sentence.
22.
Even though I tend to not enjoy magic, I was amazed to the trick the illusionist did at the end of his show.
A) NO CHANGE.
B) From.
C) By.
D) Into.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "by" is correct in this context because it indicates the means through which the illusionist performed the trick, implying that the trick was accomplished using magic. The phrase "amazed by" is a common idiom meaning to be impressed or surprised by something.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No change - This option suggests keeping the original sentence, which contains an error.
Option B:
From - "Amazed from" is not a correct idiom and does not fit grammatically in this context.
Option C:
By - Correct usage of the idiom "amazed by," indicating the means through which one was impressed.
Option D:
Into - This preposition is incorrect as it would imply a change of state or location, not the method of performing the trick.
23.
Which option correctly replaces "concerned on" ?
A) Concerned to.
B) Concerned at.
C) Concerned of.
D) Concerned about.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct preposition to replace "concerned on" is "about." This is because in English, the phrase "be concerned about something" means to be worried or interested in a particular matter. The other options do not fit grammatically or idiomatically.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Concerned to" does not form a standard idiomatic expression.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Concerned at" is not a common phrase in English.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Concerned of" is not a correct preposition pairing for this context.
Option D:
Correct. "Concerned about" is the proper idiom to express worry or interest regarding something.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are idiomatic prepositions?
Idiomatic prepositions are prepositions that are used in specific phrases or expressions, often with a meaning different from their literal definitions. They are commonly found in everyday language and can be challenging to learn due to their irregular usage.
How do idiomatic prepositions differ from regular prepositions?
Regular prepositions typically connect words or phrases in a straightforward manner, while idiomatic prepositions are part of fixed expressions where their meaning is not directly related to the literal definition of the preposition. They often require memorization as they follow specific patterns and contexts.
Why are idiomatic prepositions important in English grammar?
Idiomatic prepositions are crucial for effective communication, as they help convey precise meanings and nuances. Mastery of these expressions enhances fluency and naturalness in both speaking and writing.
Can idiomatic prepositions be used interchangeably with regular ones?
No, idiomatic prepositions cannot always be replaced by their regular counterparts. Using the correct idiomatic preposition is essential to maintain the intended meaning and avoid misunderstandings in sentences.
How can one improve understanding of idiomatic prepositions?
Improving understanding involves exposure to a wide range of texts, listening to native speakers, and practicing with exercises that focus on these expressions. Additionally, using flashcards or language learning apps can help reinforce the correct usage over time.