Q.1: The word “______________” means to convey an additional,
nuanced meaning of a word, whereas the word “______________” specifies
the literal meaning of a word or phrase.
a. denote / connote
b. connote / denote
Q.2: From the options below, choose the correct preposition to complete the underlined prepositional idiom in the following sentence.
Fred is always willing to help out, and that’s something you can bank ____________.
a. at
b. on
c. off
d. with
e. No preposition is needed
the answer is: c. off
Q.3: Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
Amanda was adamant about having no ____________ than three hundred people at her wedding, but also insisted on having much _____________ space for silly dances.
a. less / fewer
b. less / less
c. fewer / fewer
d. fewer / less
e. Both b and d may be used.
f. Both a and c may be used.
Q.4: Which of the following similar words is more commonly associated with a physical reliance on something?
a. Addiction
b. Dependence
the answer is: a. Addiction
Q.5: The preferred form for directional words in American English is ___________.
a. without an “s,” as in toward, afterward, upward, forward, and backward
b. with an “s,” as in towards, afterwards, upwards, forwards, and backwards
Q.6: Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct phrase from the options below.
_______________, I have enclosed our sales brochure and product information pamphlets.
a. Per your request
b. As per your request
c. As you requested
d. As per the request you recently made
Q.7: Which of the following words would be most appropriate when referring to a vessel’s ability to hold or contain something?
a. Ability
b. Capability
c. Capacity
Q.8: Which of the following words refers to a state of immobility?
a. Stationery
b. Stationary
Q.9: From the options below, choose the correct preposition to complete the underlined prepositional idiom in the following sentence.
Griffin swore up and down that his comment had been meant ____ a compliment.
a. as
b. for
c. to
d. No preposition is needed.
Q.10: Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
The herd of gazelles successfully ____________ the wild cheetahs.
a. alluded
b. eluded
c. illuded
Q.11: The word “____________” refers to an agreement made between two or more parties, whereas the word “____________” refers to conformity, as to someone’s rules or wishes.
a. accord / accordance
b. accordant / accord
c. accordance / accordant
Q.12: The word “______________” refers to something that is immoral, improper, or incorrect, whereas the word “______________” refers to something that is unjust, unfair, or unsanctioned by law.
a. wrong / wrongful
b. wrongful / wrong
c. The two words are completely interchangeable.
Q.13: The article “an” is normally used before all of the following words except ________.
a. hour
b. eulogy
c. umbrella
d. X-ray
Q.14: Which of the following words is used to show uncertainty or a conditional statement?
a. Can
b. Could
c. Will
d. None of the above
Q.15: The word “____________” refers to feeling satisfied with one’s life, whereas the word “____________” means to be easygoing and eager to please.
a. complacent / compliant
b. complaisant / complacent
c. compliant / complaisant
d. complacent / complaisant
Q.16: From the options below, choose the correct preposition to complete the underlined prepositional idiom in the following sentence.
We’ve noticed that the new horse has a predilection ______ jumping over bales of hay.
a. with
b. for
c. to
d. of
e. No preposition is needed.
Q.17: From the options below, choose the correct preposition to complete the underlined prepositional idiom in the following sentence.
The chef has decided that his lobster bisque will be accompanied ______ a puff pastry for dipping.
a. with
b. in
c. by
d. of
Q.18: Which of the following statements is CORRECT?
a. The word “continuous” refers to something that occurs constantly, uninterrupted, or without a break, whereas the word “continually” refers to something that is frequently repeated.
b. The word “continually’ refers to something that occurs constantly, uninterrupted, or without a break, whereas the word “continuous” refers to something that is frequently repeated.
c. The words “continuous” and “continually” are synonyms and are interchangeable.
d. The word “continually” does not exist in American English usage.
Q.19: Of the similar words below, the word “________________” is most commonly used to express a formal request.
a. can
b. could
c. may
d. might
Q.20: Which of the following similar words is more commonly associated with secretly working together to plot a misdeed?
a. Conspire
b. Connive
Q.21: Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
My parrot _____________ have won the talent contest if I had entered him in time.
a. may
b. must
c. might
d. mightn’t
Q.22: Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct sequence of words from the options below.
Not only was Marlon’s handwriting practically _____________, but the story was so dull and convoluted that I also found it ____________.
a. unreadable / illegible
b. legible / readable
c. illegible / unreadable
Q.23: Select the correct meaning of the adjective “noisome.”
a. Making much noise
b. Noxious or offensive
c. Boring
Q.24: Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
Abigail had just reached the ______________ scene of the play when the theater suddenly went dark.
a. Climatic
b. Clichéd
c. Climactic
Q.25: Which of the following words means “to excite, arouse, or offend”?
a. Peak
b. Peek
c. Pique
Q.26: From the options below, choose the correct preposition to complete the underlined prepositional idiom in the following sentence.
Josh is completely enamored ______ that puppy!
a. with
b. of
c. at
d. No preposition is needed.
Q.27: The following related words have similar meanings but varying degrees of negative connotation. Which list from the options below best represents these words from least negative to most negative?
CRIMINAL ILLEGAL UNLAWFUL ILLICIT
a. Illicit / Unlawful / Illegal / Criminal
b. Criminal / Illicit / Unlawful / Illegal
c. Unlawful / Illegal / Illicit / Criminal
d. Unlawful / Criminal / Illicit / Illegal
Q.28: From the options below, choose the correct sequence of prepositions to complete the underlined prepositional idioms in the following sentence.
We simply cannot decide whether to trade _____ our car for a new model or, as our neighbors suggested, trade it _____ their houseboat.
a. in / as
b. for / in
c. in / for
d. for / on
Q.29: Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
Martha has a real ______________ for writing ballads and odes.
a. flare
b. flair
c. flayer
Q.30: Which of the following words is often associated with money?
a. Disperse
b. Disburse
c. Dispense
Q.31: Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct sequence of words from the options below.
Sophia managed to ___________ Igor’s crude advances; in a huff, the __________ little man ___________ down the castle wall and scooted off into the underbrush.
a. repulse / repulsive / repelled
b. rappel / repelled / repulsed
c. repel / repulsive / rappelled
d. rappel / repulsed / repelled
Q.32: Which of the following options best defines the word “friendly”?
a. Amiable
b. Amicable
c. Both words mean “friendly,” but “amiable” refers to people and “amicable” refers to relationships.
d. Both words mean “friendly,” but “amiable” refers to relationships and “amicable” refers to people.
Q.33: Which of the following similar words refers to something that is well-known or momentous in history?
a. Historic
b. Historical
Q.34: Which of the following similar words means “to inflict a punishment or penalty in return for an unjust act”?
a. Avenge
b. Revenge
c. The words are synonyms and can be used interchangeably.
Q.35: Which of the following words means “once every two years”?
a. Annual
b. Biennial
c. Semiannual
Q.36: Which of the following words is a verb meaning “to change”?
a. Alter
b. Alder
c. Altar
d. Antler
Q.37: Which of the following similar words is used to describe one’s negative feelings and antipathy for something?
a. Adverse
b. Averse
Q.38: Which of the following words means “to inform or notify”?
a. Appraise
b. Appease
c. Apprise
d. Appall
Q.39: Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct sequence of words from the options below.
Harold buried his ___________ change in a shoebox so he wouldn’t _____________ it.
a. loose / lose
b. loose / loose
c. lose / loose
d. lose / lose
Q.40: Which of the following similar words generally has a negative connotation?
a. Childlike
b. Childhood
c. Childish
a. denote / connote
b. connote / denote
Q.2: From the options below, choose the correct preposition to complete the underlined prepositional idiom in the following sentence.
Fred is always willing to help out, and that’s something you can bank ____________.
a. at
b. on
c. off
d. with
e. No preposition is needed
the answer is: c. off
Q.3: Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
Amanda was adamant about having no ____________ than three hundred people at her wedding, but also insisted on having much _____________ space for silly dances.
a. less / fewer
b. less / less
c. fewer / fewer
d. fewer / less
e. Both b and d may be used.
f. Both a and c may be used.
Q.4: Which of the following similar words is more commonly associated with a physical reliance on something?
a. Addiction
b. Dependence
the answer is: a. Addiction
Q.5: The preferred form for directional words in American English is ___________.
a. without an “s,” as in toward, afterward, upward, forward, and backward
b. with an “s,” as in towards, afterwards, upwards, forwards, and backwards
Q.6: Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct phrase from the options below.
_______________, I have enclosed our sales brochure and product information pamphlets.
a. Per your request
b. As per your request
c. As you requested
d. As per the request you recently made
Q.7: Which of the following words would be most appropriate when referring to a vessel’s ability to hold or contain something?
a. Ability
b. Capability
c. Capacity
Q.8: Which of the following words refers to a state of immobility?
a. Stationery
b. Stationary
Q.9: From the options below, choose the correct preposition to complete the underlined prepositional idiom in the following sentence.
Griffin swore up and down that his comment had been meant ____ a compliment.
a. as
b. for
c. to
d. No preposition is needed.
Q.10: Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
The herd of gazelles successfully ____________ the wild cheetahs.
a. alluded
b. eluded
c. illuded
Q.11: The word “____________” refers to an agreement made between two or more parties, whereas the word “____________” refers to conformity, as to someone’s rules or wishes.
a. accord / accordance
b. accordant / accord
c. accordance / accordant
Q.12: The word “______________” refers to something that is immoral, improper, or incorrect, whereas the word “______________” refers to something that is unjust, unfair, or unsanctioned by law.
a. wrong / wrongful
b. wrongful / wrong
c. The two words are completely interchangeable.
Q.13: The article “an” is normally used before all of the following words except ________.
a. hour
b. eulogy
c. umbrella
d. X-ray
Q.14: Which of the following words is used to show uncertainty or a conditional statement?
a. Can
b. Could
c. Will
d. None of the above
Q.15: The word “____________” refers to feeling satisfied with one’s life, whereas the word “____________” means to be easygoing and eager to please.
a. complacent / compliant
b. complaisant / complacent
c. compliant / complaisant
d. complacent / complaisant
Q.16: From the options below, choose the correct preposition to complete the underlined prepositional idiom in the following sentence.
We’ve noticed that the new horse has a predilection ______ jumping over bales of hay.
a. with
b. for
c. to
d. of
e. No preposition is needed.
Q.17: From the options below, choose the correct preposition to complete the underlined prepositional idiom in the following sentence.
The chef has decided that his lobster bisque will be accompanied ______ a puff pastry for dipping.
a. with
b. in
c. by
d. of
Q.18: Which of the following statements is CORRECT?
a. The word “continuous” refers to something that occurs constantly, uninterrupted, or without a break, whereas the word “continually” refers to something that is frequently repeated.
b. The word “continually’ refers to something that occurs constantly, uninterrupted, or without a break, whereas the word “continuous” refers to something that is frequently repeated.
c. The words “continuous” and “continually” are synonyms and are interchangeable.
d. The word “continually” does not exist in American English usage.
Q.19: Of the similar words below, the word “________________” is most commonly used to express a formal request.
a. can
b. could
c. may
d. might
Q.20: Which of the following similar words is more commonly associated with secretly working together to plot a misdeed?
a. Conspire
b. Connive
Q.21: Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
My parrot _____________ have won the talent contest if I had entered him in time.
a. may
b. must
c. might
d. mightn’t
Q.22: Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct sequence of words from the options below.
Not only was Marlon’s handwriting practically _____________, but the story was so dull and convoluted that I also found it ____________.
a. unreadable / illegible
b. legible / readable
c. illegible / unreadable
Q.23: Select the correct meaning of the adjective “noisome.”
a. Making much noise
b. Noxious or offensive
c. Boring
Q.24: Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
Abigail had just reached the ______________ scene of the play when the theater suddenly went dark.
a. Climatic
b. Clichéd
c. Climactic
Q.25: Which of the following words means “to excite, arouse, or offend”?
a. Peak
b. Peek
c. Pique
Q.26: From the options below, choose the correct preposition to complete the underlined prepositional idiom in the following sentence.
Josh is completely enamored ______ that puppy!
a. with
b. of
c. at
d. No preposition is needed.
Q.27: The following related words have similar meanings but varying degrees of negative connotation. Which list from the options below best represents these words from least negative to most negative?
CRIMINAL ILLEGAL UNLAWFUL ILLICIT
a. Illicit / Unlawful / Illegal / Criminal
b. Criminal / Illicit / Unlawful / Illegal
c. Unlawful / Illegal / Illicit / Criminal
d. Unlawful / Criminal / Illicit / Illegal
Q.28: From the options below, choose the correct sequence of prepositions to complete the underlined prepositional idioms in the following sentence.
We simply cannot decide whether to trade _____ our car for a new model or, as our neighbors suggested, trade it _____ their houseboat.
a. in / as
b. for / in
c. in / for
d. for / on
Q.29: Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
Martha has a real ______________ for writing ballads and odes.
a. flare
b. flair
c. flayer
Q.30: Which of the following words is often associated with money?
a. Disperse
b. Disburse
c. Dispense
Q.31: Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct sequence of words from the options below.
Sophia managed to ___________ Igor’s crude advances; in a huff, the __________ little man ___________ down the castle wall and scooted off into the underbrush.
a. repulse / repulsive / repelled
b. rappel / repelled / repulsed
c. repel / repulsive / rappelled
d. rappel / repulsed / repelled
Q.32: Which of the following options best defines the word “friendly”?
a. Amiable
b. Amicable
c. Both words mean “friendly,” but “amiable” refers to people and “amicable” refers to relationships.
d. Both words mean “friendly,” but “amiable” refers to relationships and “amicable” refers to people.
Q.33: Which of the following similar words refers to something that is well-known or momentous in history?
a. Historic
b. Historical
Q.34: Which of the following similar words means “to inflict a punishment or penalty in return for an unjust act”?
a. Avenge
b. Revenge
c. The words are synonyms and can be used interchangeably.
Q.35: Which of the following words means “once every two years”?
a. Annual
b. Biennial
c. Semiannual
Q.36: Which of the following words is a verb meaning “to change”?
a. Alter
b. Alder
c. Altar
d. Antler
Q.37: Which of the following similar words is used to describe one’s negative feelings and antipathy for something?
a. Adverse
b. Averse
Q.38: Which of the following words means “to inform or notify”?
a. Appraise
b. Appease
c. Apprise
d. Appall
Q.39: Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct sequence of words from the options below.
Harold buried his ___________ change in a shoebox so he wouldn’t _____________ it.
a. loose / lose
b. loose / loose
c. lose / loose
d. lose / lose
Q.40: Which of the following similar words generally has a negative connotation?
a. Childlike
b. Childhood
c. Childish
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