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Idiomatically Appropriate Prepositions – Quiz 1
Idiomatically Appropriate Prepositions Quiz 1 (24 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding and application of idiomatic prepositions in English. It covers concepts such as appropriate preposition usage, completion tasks by a specified time, conditional sentences in past tense, and expressing hypothetical past situations. The test also assesses skills like contrasting ideas, addressing solutions to problems, and using correct prepositional phrases to convey partial truth or degree.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
..... , I did do my homework last night.
A) As a matter in fact.
B) As a matter from fact.
C) As a matter to fact.
D) As a matter of fact.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) As a matter of fact.
This phrase is idiomatically appropriate and commonly used to introduce a statement that is true or accurate, often as an emphasis or clarification. The preposition "of" in this context is necessary to maintain the proper structure and meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "In" does not fit grammatically with "matter of fact."
Option B:
Incorrect. "From" does not fit grammatically with "matter of fact."
Option C:
Incorrect. "To" does not fit grammatically with "matter of fact."
Option D:
Correct. "Of" is the appropriate preposition to use in this phrase.
2.
I love all pizza, ..... where we order from.
A) Whether as.
B) Regardless.
C) Irregardless.
D) In case.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Regardless" is the correct choice because it properly conveys a sense of indifference to the source of the pizza, emphasizing that the speaker loves all types of pizza irrespective of where they are ordered from. This preposition fits idiomatically in the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Whether as" is not a proper phrase and does not fit grammatically or idiomatically.
Option B:
"Regardless" correctly expresses the idea of not being influenced by the source, making it the appropriate choice.
Option C:
"Irregardless" is a non-standard form of "irrespective" and should be avoided in formal writing. It does not fit idiomatically here.
Option D:
"In case" implies a conditional scenario, which is not relevant to the context of the sentence about pizza preferences.
3.
Recent finds have revealed the dangers of vaping.
A) NO CHANGE.
B) Findings.
C) To find.
D) Founds.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "of" in the original sentence is correctly used to indicate a relationship between "vaping" and the dangers that have been revealed. The word "finds" should be replaced with "Findings," which is a noun form that fits grammatically and idiomatically.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No change - Incorrect, as "finds" needs to be changed for correct grammar.
Option B:
Findings - Correct, as it properly modifies the dangers of vaping and fits grammatically.
Option C:
To find - Incorrect, as it is a gerund form that does not fit in this context.
Option D:
Founds - Incorrect, as "founds" is not a standard English word.
4.
The city of Anaheim fought on the possibility of a new airport being built, as homeowners on the flight path didn't want to deal with the noise.
A) Fought for.
B) NO CHANGE.
C) Fought against.
D) Fought off.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Fight against" is the correct idiom to use in this context because it indicates a struggle or opposition to an action, which accurately describes Anaheim's stance on the new airport project due to noise concerns for homeowners.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Fought for" implies support or advocacy, not opposition. Incorrect.
Option B:
"NO CHANGE" is irrelevant as there was a change in Anaheim's stance. Incorrect.
Option C:
"Fought against" means to oppose or struggle against something, fitting the context of Anaheim’s position. Correct.
Option D:
"Fought off" suggests repelling an attack or threat, not necessarily opposition to a project. Incorrect.
5.
Nothing seemed .....
A) Out with the ordinary.
B) Out of the ordinary.
C) Out by the ordinary.
D) Out in the ordinary.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "Nothing seemed out of the ordinary" is a common idiom used to indicate that something was normal and expected, without any unusual or unexpected elements. The preposition "of" in this context correctly conveys the idea that nothing deviated from what would be considered usual or standard.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Out with the ordinary" is incorrect because it suggests removing something, not indicating normalcy.
Option B:
"Out of the ordinary" is correct as explained above.
Option C:
"Out by the ordinary" is grammatically incorrect and does not make sense in this context.
Option D:
"Out in the ordinary" is also incorrect because it suggests being located within something, which is not appropriate here.
6.
She shows ..... her grades.
A) Concern for.
B) Concern in.
C) Concern so.
D) Concern to.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "for" is idiomatically appropriate in this context because it correctly expresses the idea of showing concern about something, specifically her grades.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Shows concern for her grades.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Concern in" is not a standard preposition to use with this phrase.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Concern so" does not form a proper prepositional phrase.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Concern to" is not the correct preposition here.
7.
We are all very ..... your loss.
A) Sorry by.
B) Sorry for.
C) Sorry to.
D) Sorry of.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Sorry for.
The phrase "We are all very sorry for your loss" is a common and appropriate expression of sympathy in English. It uses the preposition "for," which is correctly paired with "loss."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Sorry by." This option is incorrect as "by" does not fit grammatically or idiomatically after "sorry for your loss."
Option B:
"Sorry for." This is the correct choice, as it properly expresses sympathy.
Option C:
"Sorry to." While this can be used in some contexts (e.g., "I am sorry to hear that"), it does not fit well with "your loss" and would typically require a verb or clause after it.
Option D:
"Sorry of." This option is incorrect as "of" does not fit grammatically or idiomatically in this context.
8.
After the last couple months of school, I ..... spring break.
A) Long after.
B) Long over.
C) Long for.
D) Long to.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Long for.
This phrase means to desire or look forward to something, which fits the context of wanting spring break after a long period of school. The other options do not fit grammatically or idiomatically: "Long after" and "Long over" are not idiomatic expressions in this context; "Long to" is also not correct as it would imply an incorrect verb form.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Long after - This phrase does not fit the idiomatically appropriate expression for the given sentence.
Option B:
Long over - Similarly, this option is not a correct idiomatic expression in this context.
Option C:
Long for - Correct. It means to desire or look forward to something, fitting the context of wanting spring break after school.
Option D:
Long to - This phrase is grammatically incorrect and does not fit the idiomatically appropriate expression for the given sentence.
9.
..... , Amanda is very funny.
A) Contrary for popular opinion.
B) Contrary to popular opinion.
C) Contrary as popular opinion.
D) Contrary with popular opinion.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Contrary to popular opinion.
This phrase uses the preposition "to" which is idiomatically appropriate in this context, meaning that Amanda's humor goes against what people generally believe or expect. The other options use incorrect prepositions: "for," "as," and "with" do not fit the idiomatic expression correctly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; "for" is not used with "contrary to popular opinion."
Option B:
Correct; "to" is idiomatically appropriate.
Option C:
Incorrect; "as" does not fit the phrase correctly.
Option D:
Incorrect; "with" is not used with "contrary to popular opinion."
10.
..... of the results, we all did our best.
A) Whether as.
B) In case.
C) Irregardless.
D) Regardless.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Regardless" is the correct choice because it means "without taking into account; irrespective of." The phrase "regardless of the results" indicates that everyone tried their best regardless of the outcome, which fits well in this context. Other options like "irregardless," which is not a standard English word, or "in case" and "whether as," do not fit grammatically or idiomatically.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Whether as does not make sense in the sentence.
Option B:
In case is used to introduce a condition, which is not appropriate here.
Option C:
Irregardless is not a standard English word and should be avoided.
Option D:
Regardless fits perfectly as it means "without taking into account; irrespective of."
11.
It is the responsibility of every person on this country to reduce their carbon footprint.
A) NO CHANGE.
B) Within this country.
C) Around this country.
D) In this country.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "in" is the most appropriate choice here as it correctly conveys that the responsibility applies within the geographical and political boundaries of the country, making option D correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No change implies no modification to the original statement. However, adding a preposition can improve clarity.
Option B:
"Within" is not as concise and natural-sounding in this context compared to "in."
Option C:
"Around" suggests an area or region beyond the country's borders, which is incorrect.
Option D:
Correct use of "in," indicating the scope within the country.
12.
They were, ..... , part of the other team.
A) With fact.
B) To fact.
C) On fact.
D) In fact.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) In fact.
This phrase means that the statement that follows is true, despite what might have been previously thought or implied. It introduces a contrast or clarification to the preceding information. For example, "They were, in fact, part of the other team" indicates that contrary to initial assumptions, they indeed belonged to the opposing side.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"With fact." is incorrect because "with" does not fit grammatically or idiomatically here.
Option B:
"To fact." is also incorrect as it does not make sense in this context and lacks proper preposition usage.
Option C:
"On fact." is similarly incorrect for the same reasons as Option B.
Option D:
"In fact." is correct, providing a clear contrast or clarification to the statement that follows.
13.
The Ministry of Education is looking for solutions around these troubling concerns.
A) To these troubling concerns.
B) NO CHANGE.
C) With respect to these troubling concerns.
D) Of these troubling concerns.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "to" is correctly used here to indicate the direction or purpose of addressing the concerns, making it idiomatically appropriate in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "To these troubling concerns" indicates a solution directed towards the issues.
Option B:
Incorrect. "No change" implies no modification is needed, which contradicts the requirement for a solution.
Option C:
Incorrect. "With respect to" suggests a formal acknowledgment rather than addressing solutions directly.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Of these troubling concerns" does not fit grammatically or idiomatically in this context, as it implies possession rather than action towards the issues.
14.
I don't want to ..... that difficult student today.
A) Deal for.
B) Deal to.
C) Deal with.
D) Deal on.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "deal with" is the correct preposition to use in this context because it means to handle, manage, or confront a situation or person. It is commonly used when referring to dealing with difficult individuals or situations.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Deal for" is incorrect as there is no common usage of this phrase in English.
Option B:
"Deal to" is also not a correct preposition in this context; it does not fit the meaning required by the sentence.
Option C:
"Deal with" is correct as explained above. It fits perfectly here, meaning to handle or manage the difficult student.
Option D:
"Deal on" is incorrect and does not make sense in this context; it is not a standard phrase used when referring to dealing with someone or something.
15.
The moa was a flightless bird that existed on New Zealand before being hunted to extinction by the Polynesians.
A) Existed inside.
B) Existed in.
C) NO CHANGE.
D) Existed through.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "in" is idiomatically appropriate in this context because it correctly indicates the time and place of existence for the moa, a flightless bird that lived on New Zealand before being hunted to extinction by Polynesians. The phrase "existed in New Zealand" is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Existed inside." is incorrect because "inside" implies an internal location, which does not fit the context of a bird's habitat.
Option B:
"Existed in." is correct as explained above.
Option C:
"NO CHANGE." is not applicable since there was no need for any change to the original sentence structure or wording.
Option D:
"Existed through." is incorrect because it suggests a duration of existence rather than a specific place where the bird lived and existed.
16.
Your donation today will be utilized for conduct research on sustainable energy.
A) NO CHANGE.
B) Utilize.
C) Utilized on.
D) Utilized to.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "to" is correctly used in option D, making it the most appropriate choice for this sentence. The phrase "utilized to conduct research" indicates a purposeful action, which fits well with the context of the sentence about sustainable energy research.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No change implies no modification, but "utilize" needs to be adjusted for proper preposition use.
Option B:
"Utilize" alone is incomplete and does not specify the purpose of research.
Option C:
"Utilized on" suggests an action performed on something, which is not appropriate here.
Option D:
"Utilized to" correctly indicates the purpose of the donation, making it the best choice.
17.
You are correct .....
A) By a certain extent.
B) To a certain extent.
C) At a certain extent.
D) Under a certain extent.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"By a certain extent," "at a certain extent," and "under a certain extent" are not idiomatic prepositional phrases in English. The correct phrase is "to a certain extent," which means to some degree or partially. This usage accurately conveys the idea that something is partly true or applicable.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "By" does not fit well with "a certain extent."
Option B:
Correct. "To a certain extent" is the proper phrase.
Option C:
Incorrect. "At" does not work in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Under" is not appropriate here.
18.
That movie will ..... girls more than boys.
A) Appeal with.
B) Appeal to.
C) Appeal on.
D) Appeal for.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Appeal to.
The phrase "appeal to" is the idiomatically appropriate preposition in this context, meaning that the movie will attract more girls than boys.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Appeal with" is incorrect as it does not fit grammatically or idiomatically.
Option B:
"Appeal to" is correct, fitting the context and being idiomatic.
Option C:
"Appeal on" is incorrect; there is no such usage in English.
Option D:
"Appeal for" implies seeking or requesting something, which does not fit the context of attracting more girls than boys.
19.
My plane ticket to Bali would of cost $ 200 more if I hadn't purchased them last week during a sale.
A) Would have.
B) Would.
C) Would had.
D) NO CHANGE.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Would have.
This construction, "would have," is used to express a hypothetical situation in the past that did not occur. In this context, it correctly conveys that if you had not purchased the ticket last week during the sale, the cost would have been $200 more.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Would have" is correct for expressing a hypothetical past situation.
Option B:
"Would" alone is not appropriate here as it does not convey the idea of something that did not happen in the past due to a specific action (purchasing during a sale).
Option C:
"Would had" is incorrect grammatically and idiomatically.
Option D:
"NO CHANGE" implies there was no change, which contradicts the statement about the ticket costing more if not purchased during the sale.
20.
The letter was delivered to me .....
A) At mistake.
B) For mistake.
C) To mistake.
D) By mistake.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "by" is correctly used here to indicate that the action of delivering the letter was accidental or unintentional, which aligns with the meaning of "mistake." The phrase "by mistake" means something happened unintentionally. Other options like "at," "for," and "to" do not fit grammatically or idiomatically in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "At mistake" is not a proper prepositional phrase.
Option B:
Incorrect. "For mistake" does not make sense in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "To mistake" implies the letter was delivered to correct a mistake, which is not the intended meaning.
Option D:
Correct. "By mistake" indicates an unintentional action, fitting the context of the sentence.
21.
I am just ..... this cold weather.
A) Tired for.
B) Tired of.
C) Tired to.
D) Tired by.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Tired of.
The phrase "tired of" is the appropriate preposition to use when expressing dissatisfaction with a situation, in this case, the cold weather. This idiom indicates that one feels weary or bored due to enduring something unpleasant.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Tired for" does not form a standard English phrase and is not used to express dissatisfaction with a situation.
Option B:
Correct. "Tired of" is the appropriate preposition when expressing that one feels weary or bored due to enduring something unpleasant, such as cold weather.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Tired to" does not form a standard English phrase and is not used in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Tired by" is not the correct preposition for expressing dissatisfaction with a situation; it would imply that one feels weary as a result of something, which is not the intended meaning here.
22.
The term, syntax, is derived from the Ancient Greek terms that meant "together" and "arrangement" .
A) Derived for.
B) Derived at.
C) Derived of.
D) NO CHANGE.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is D) NO CHANGE because the phrase "Derived from" accurately describes how the term "syntax" was formed, using its Greek roots meaning "together" and "arrangement."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "For" does not fit grammatically or idiomatically in this context.
Option B:
Incorrect. "At" is not appropriate here as it does not make sense with the given terms.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Of" implies possession, which is not what is intended when describing etymology.
Option D:
Correct. "NO CHANGE" indicates that the original phrasing "Derived from" is correct and appropriate.
23.
We will be done with idiomatically appropriate prepositions ..... after this week.
A) By good.
B) At good.
C) For good.
D) In good.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "for good" is the correct choice here because it means permanently or forever, which fits well with the context of completing something by a certain time.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"By good" does not make sense in this context as "good" cannot be used to indicate completion.
Option B:
"At good" is also incorrect because it does not form a proper prepositional phrase that conveys the intended meaning of permanent or final completion.
Option C:
"For good" is correct as it means permanently, fitting well with the context of finishing something by a certain time.
Option D:
"In good" does not fit grammatically or idiomatically in this sentence to indicate completion.
24.
..... , we haven't seen them in awhile.
A) At the other hand.
B) With the other hand.
C) By the other hand.
D) On the other hand.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The idiom "on the other hand" is correctly used here to introduce a contrasting idea, making it appropriate in context. This phrase is commonly used when presenting two opposing viewpoints or situations.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
At the other hand - Incorrect. "At" does not fit naturally with this idiom.
Option B:
With the other hand - Incorrect. "With" is not used in this phrase.
Option C:
By the other hand - Incorrect. "By" is not appropriate here.
Option D:
On the other hand - Correct. This is the proper usage of the idiom to introduce a contrasting idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are idiomatic prepositions?
Idiomatic prepositions are words that, when used in specific phrases or expressions, have meanings that go beyond their literal definitions. They often require memorization as they follow certain grammatical rules and cultural norms.
Why is it important to use idiomatically appropriate prepositions?
Using the correct preposition in idiomatic expressions ensures clarity and accuracy in communication, avoiding misunderstandings that could arise from incorrect usage. It enhances fluency and naturalness in both spoken and written English.
How do hypothetical past situations relate to idiomatically appropriate prepositions?
Hypothetical past situations often require specific prepositions in idiomatic expressions, such as "if I had known" or "what would have happened if." These phrases use particular prepositions that convey the intended meaning of hypothetical scenarios.
What is the scope of learning idiomatically appropriate prepositions?
The scope includes understanding and using a variety of idiomatic expressions in English, which can be extensive as these phrases are deeply ingrained in the language. Mastery involves recognizing common patterns and practicing their usage in context.
What is the difficulty level of mastering idiomatically appropriate prepositions?
Mastering idiomatic preposition usage can be challenging due to their complex and sometimes irregular nature. It requires consistent practice, exposure to diverse language use, and often memorization of specific phrases and expressions.