Hard English Quiz Questions And Answers

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  • 1/25 Questions

    Identify the sentence with correct parallel structure.

    • She enjoys reading, to swim, and painting.
    • She enjoys reading, swimming, and painting.
    • She enjoys to read, swimming, and painting.
    • She enjoys reading, to swim, and to paint.
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About This Quiz


The Hard English Quiz questions and answers are designed for those who want to dive deeper into advanced English language skills. Each question will push you to think critically about grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and more. You must prepare to tackle hard English grammar questions that cover everything from intricate grammar rules to nuanced word meanings.

Every question is crafted to test a specific part of your knowledge, so read carefully before choosing an answer. This is all about understanding the finer points of English. Do you think you are ready for the challenge? Let’s see how well you do in this past perfect tense test of advanced English skills. Good luck, and may the best linguist win!

Hard English Quiz Questions And Answers - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    What is a conjunction?

    • A word that explains

    • A word that "joins"

    • A word that describes

    • A word that shows emotion

    Correct Answer
    A. A word that "joins"
    Explanation
    In grammar, a conjunction is a part of speech that connects words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. Conjunctions are used to coordinate and link different elements, facilitating a smooth flow of ideas and creating logical relationships between them.
    Examples of conjunctions include "and," "but," "or," "nor," "for," "yet," and "so." These words function to connect similar elements, contrast different ideas, or indicate a cause-and-effect relationship. The primary role of conjunctions is to join various parts of a sentence, making the overall structure coherent and cohesive.

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  • 3. 

    Which sentence uses the correct correlative conjunctions?

    • Neither the dog nor the cat wanted to go outside.

    • Both my mom or my dad will pick me up from school.

    • Either you can come with me, nor you can stay home.

    • Not only is she smart, and she is also kind.

    Correct Answer
    A. Neither the dog nor the cat wanted to go outside.
    Explanation
    Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together. "Neither/nor" is a correlative conjunction used to present two negative options. Option B should use "and" instead of "or." Option C should use "or" instead of "nor." Option D should use "but" instead of "and."

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  • 4. 

    Choose the correct infinitive to complete the sentence: I'm thinking about getting a new computer ______ for school.

    • To think

    • To take

    • To use

    • To help

    Correct Answer
    A. To use
    Explanation
    The sentence expresses the purpose of getting a new computer. The most appropriate infinitive to convey this purpose is "to use."

     

    The other options don't fit the context:

     

    to think: Doesn't make sense in relation to a computer's purpose.

    to take: Implies physically taking the computer somewhere.

    to help: While a computer can help with schoolwork, "to use" is a more direct and common way to express the purpose of getting one.

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  • 5. 

    Which of the following is the correctly spelled word?

    • Benifited

    • Benefited

    • Benefeted

    • Benifeated

    Correct Answer
    A. Benefited
    Explanation
    The word "benefited" follows the standard spelling in English. It is spelled with two e's after the letter 't'. The correct spelling adheres to the general rule for forming past tense verbs by adding "-ed" to the base form of the verb.

    Therefore, the correct spelling is "Benefited," and the other variations "Benifited" and "Benefeted" are incorrect.

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  • 6. 

    Change this sentence to indirect speech:   "If you don't keep quiet, I shall tell the teacher," he said to her in a calm voice.

    • He calmly warned her that if she didn’t keep quiet, he would tell the teacher.

    • He said calmly that I shall tell the teacher if you don’t keep quiet.

    • He warned her calmly to keep quiet or else he would have to tell the teacher.

    • Calmly he warned her that be quiet or else he will have to tell the teacher.

    Correct Answer
    A. He calmly warned her that if she didn’t keep quiet, he would tell the teacher.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "He calmly warned her that if she didn’t keep quiet, he would tell the teacher." In indirect speech, the pronouns and tense need to change appropriately. "I" becomes "he," and "shall" changes to "would" to align with the shift to indirect speech. The sentence maintains the original calm tone while presenting the statement in a reported form. Additionally, the structure remains clear and grammatically correct, preserving the original meaning without losing the context of the warning.

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  • 7. 

    What is the adjective form of "parliament"?

    • Parley

    • Parliamentarian

    • Parleyed

    • Parliamentary

    Correct Answer
    A. Parliamentary
    Explanation
    Parliament: A noun referring to the legislative body or assembly, typically composed of elected representatives who make laws, debate policies, and represent the interests of the people.

    Parliamentary: The adjective form derived from "parliament." It is used to describe anything related to or characteristic of a parliament. For example, "parliamentary procedure" refers to the rules and methods used in the functioning of a parliament.

    So, if you want to describe something that is associated with or related to a parliament, you would use the adjective "parliamentary."

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  • 8. 

    Most interjections end in an exclamation mark.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    While many interjections express strong emotions and are followed by exclamation marks (e.g., "Wow!", "Ouch!", "Hooray!"), they can also end with periods or even question marks, depending on the context and the intensity of the emotion.
    For example:
    Mild surprise: "Oh."
    Questioning: "Huh?"
    Statement with a pause: "Well,..."
    Therefore, it's not accurate to say that most interjections end in exclamation marks.

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  • 9. 

    Which sentence uses conjunctions correctly?

    • I wanted to go to the park, but it was raining.

    • I like both apples and oranges, but I don't like pears.

    • She went to the store and bought some milk, but she also got some bread.

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    All three sentences use conjunctions correctly to connect ideas in a grammatically accurate way. In the first sentence, "but" is used to contrast the desire to go to the park with the reason it couldn’t happen. In the second sentence, "both…and" pairs the items (apples and oranges) liked, while "but" introduces a contrasting dislike (pears). The third sentence uses "and" to list actions (buying milk and bread), and "but" to add a contrasting detail (the additional purchase of bread). Together, these sentences show proper use of conjunctions for linking and contrasting ideas in clear, cohesive ways.

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  • 10. 

    Which sentence correctly uses the subjunctive mood?

    • If I was taller, I would play basketball.

    • If I were taller, I would play basketball.

    • If I am taller, I would play basketball.

    • If I be taller, I would play basketball.

    Correct Answer
    A. If I were taller, I would play basketball.
    Explanation
    The subjunctive mood is used to express hypothetical or contrary-to-fact situations. "If I were taller, I would play basketball" is correct because "were" is the correct subjunctive form of "to be" when discussing an unreal condition. "Was" is used for indicative statements about real situations, while "am" and "be" are grammatically incorrect in this context. The subjunctive is typically used after "if" in hypothetical statements, as in "If I were you, I would..." This rule ensures that the verb agrees with the implied unreal scenario rather than the subject itself, maintaining proper grammatical structure in conditional statements.

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  • 11. 

    What is the predicate noun in the following sentence? "Liz stayed an actress."

    • Stayed

    • Liz

    • An

    • Actress

    Correct Answer
    A. Actress
    Explanation
    Liz: This is the subject of the sentence. It's the person the sentence is about.

    Stayed: This is the linking verb. Linking verbs connect the subject to a noun or an adjective that renames or describes the subject.

    Actress: This is the predicate noun (or predicate nominative). It follows the linking verb "stayed" and renames or identifies the subject "Liz." In this case, it tells us what Liz stayed as, indicating her profession or role.

    So, the sentence is stating that Liz remained in the state or role of being an actress. "Actress" is the predicate noun because it identifies what Liz stayed as.

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  • 12. 

    What is the antonym of "commissioned"?

    • Closed

    • Decommissioned

    • Finished

    • Started

    Correct Answer
    A. Decommissioned
    Explanation
    "Commissioned" means to officially authorize or order something to begin operation. "Decommissioned" means to officially take something out of service, making it the most accurate antonym. While "closed" and "finished" imply an ending, they don't specifically relate to the formal process of authorizing or ending a service or project. "Started" is somewhat the opposite of commissioned, but "decommissioned" is the more precise antonym in this context.

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  • 13. 

    Identify which sentence is punctuated correctly:

    • He gathered the leaves and got ready to jump in.

    • He gathered the leaves, and got ready to jump in.

    • He gathered the leaves, got ready to jump in.

    • He gathered the leaves; got ready to jump in.  

    Correct Answer
    A. He gathered the leaves and got ready to jump in.
    Explanation
    This sentence consists of two simple independent clauses joined by the coordinating conjunction "and." In this case, a comma is not needed before the conjunction.

    Option B incorrectly places a comma before "and." Option C needs a conjunction to join the clauses correctly. Option D uses a semicolon, which is typically used to separate two closely related independent clauses, but a comma or conjunction is more appropriate here.

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  • 14. 

    What is the antonym of "corpulent"?

    • Obese

    • Emaciated

    • Gaunt

    • Lean

    Correct Answer
    A. Lean
    Explanation
    "Corpulent" means fat or obese, so its antonym must describe someone thin. While "emaciated" and "gaunt" imply an unhealthy thinness, "lean" suggests a healthy, trim physique.  "Obese" is a synonym, not an antonym, of corpulent. Therefore, "lean" is the most accurate antonym among the choices.

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  • 15. 

    Identify the tense of the verb in the following sentence:"Shakespeare has written dramas appealing to all people of all ages."

    • Simple present

    • Present perfect

    • Past perfect

    • Present continuous

    Correct Answer
    A. Present perfect
    Explanation
    The use of "has written" indicates that the action of writing dramas by Shakespeare is completed, but the relevance or impact extends into the present. It suggests a connection between the past and the present. The focus is on the result of the action (the existence of the written dramas) rather than the specific time when the writing occurred. In this context, the sentence emphasizes that Shakespeare's dramas continue to have appeal across different ages, and the writing itself is a completed action with ongoing relevance.

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  • 16. 

    Fill in the blank:How many students in your class _____ from Korea?

    • Comes

    • Came

    • Come

    • Are coming

    Correct Answer
    A. Come
    Explanation
    The subject of the sentence is "students," which is plural. Therefore, we need the plural form of the verb "to come," which is "come."
    "Comes" is singular.
    "Came" is the past tense.
    "Are coming" implies an ongoing action, but the question asks about a current state.

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  • 17. 

    Which word is a synonym for "fugacious"?

    • Enticing

    • Fleeting

    • Continual

    • Disappear

    Correct Answer
    A. Fleeting
    Explanation
    "Fugacious" describes something that is fleeting or short-lived.  "Fleeting" has the same meaning, making it the correct synonym. "Elusive" means difficult to find or catch, while "enticing" means attractive or tempting. "Continual" means ongoing, which is the opposite of fugacious.

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  • 18. 

    Choose the option that best expresses the given sentence in direct speech:"I told him that he was not working hard."

    • I told to him, "You are not working hard."

    • I said to him, "He is not working hard."

    • I said, "You are not working hard."

    • I said to him, "You are not working hard."

    Correct Answer
    A. I said to him, "You are not working hard."
    Explanation
    When converting from indirect to direct speech, we need to:
    Change the tense: "was not working" becomes "are not working."
    Change the pronoun: "he" becomes "you" to reflect the speaker addressing the person directly.
    Use quotation marks: Enclose the spoken words within quotation marks.
    Use appropriate reporting verb: "said to him" is more suitable than "told to him" in this context.
    Option D correctly incorporates all these changes, making it the most accurate representation of the original sentence in direct speech.

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  • 19. 

    What figure of speech is used in the following sentence?"Her hair was like gravy, running brown off her head and clumping up on her shoulders."

    • Onomatopoeia

    • Metaphor

    • Personification

    • Simile

    Correct Answer
    A. Simile
    Explanation
    The sentence uses the word "like" to compare the woman's hair to gravy. This direct comparison using "like" or "as" is the defining characteristic of a simile.
    Metaphor makes a comparison without using "like" or "as."
    Onomatopoeia uses words that imitate sounds.
    Personification gives human qualities to non-human things.

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  • 20. 

    Choose the correct article to complete this sentence:The thief was sent to _____ prison.

    • The

    • A

    • An

    • No article

    Correct Answer
    A. No article
    Explanation
    In this case, "prison" is used in a general sense to refer to the concept of being incarcerated, not a specific prison. When referring to prison in this way, we don't use an article.For example, we say:He was sent to prison. (general)He was sent to the prison on the outskirts of town. (specific)

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  • 21. 

    Choose the correct preposition: He was leaning ______ a lamp post.

    • Against

    • By

    • For

    • Before

    Correct Answer
    A. Against
    Explanation
    In this context, "against" is the appropriate preposition to indicate the direction of the leaning. When someone leans "against" something, it means they are in contact with and supported by that object. In this case, the person is leaning against a lamppost, suggesting physical contact and support from the lamppost.

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  • 22. 

    Choose the sentence with correct pronoun-antecedent agreement.

    • Each student must submit their assignment on time.

    • Each student must submit his or her assignment on time.

    • Each student must submit its assignment on time.

    • Each student must submit they're assignment on time.

    Correct Answer
    A. Each student must submit his or her assignment on time.
    Explanation
    Pronoun-antecedent agreement ensures that pronouns correctly match their antecedents in number and gender. "Each student must submit his or her assignment on time" is correct because "each student" is singular, requiring a singular pronoun. "Their" is incorrect because it is plural, creating a mismatch. While singular "they" is widely accepted in modern usage, formal grammar still favors "his or her" for clarity. "Its" is incorrect because it refers to non-human subjects, and "they're" is a contraction of "they are," making it grammatically incorrect. Proper agreement avoids ambiguity and maintains grammatical precision in academic writing.

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  • 23. 

    Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?

    • Neither of the candidates are qualified.

    • Neither of the candidates were qualified.

    • Neither of the candidates is qualified.

    • Neither of the candidates have been qualified.

    Correct Answer
    A. Neither of the candidates is qualified.
    Explanation
    Subject-verb agreement requires that singular subjects take singular verbs. "Neither of the candidates is qualified" is correct because "neither" is singular, meaning "is" should be used rather than "are" or "were." Even though "candidates" is plural, the phrase "neither of" makes the subject singular. "Have been" is incorrect because it suggests a plural subject. Many grammatical errors arise from misunderstanding words like "neither," "each," or "everyone," which seem plural but require singular verbs. Proper subject-verb agreement ensures logical consistency and grammatical accuracy, particularly in complex sentence structures where the true subject may not be immediately apparent.

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  • 24. 

    Which sentence correctly uses a restrictive clause?

    • The book, which I borrowed from the library, was fascinating.

    • The book that I borrowed from the library was fascinating.

    • The book, that I borrowed from the library, was fascinating.

    • The book which I borrowed from the library was fascinating.

    Correct Answer
    A. The book that I borrowed from the library was fascinating.
    Explanation
    Restrictive clauses are essential to a sentence's meaning and are not set off by commas. "The book that I borrowed from the library was fascinating" is correct because the clause "that I borrowed from the library" specifies which book is being discussed. "Which" is generally used for nonrestrictive clauses, which provide extra information and require commas. Using "that" correctly distinguishes crucial information from supplementary details. The restrictive clause ensures clarity by limiting the subject to a specific reference, whereas a nonrestrictive clause could imply additional, non-essential information about the book in general.

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  • 25. 

    What is the one-word substitution for the following phrase?"Extreme old age when a man behaves like a fool."

    • Miser

    • Superannuation

    • Dotage

    • Imbecility

    Correct Answer
    A. Dotage
    Explanation
    "Dotage" specifically refers to the mental decline associated with old age, often characterized by foolish behavior.  
    Miser describes someone who hoards wealth.  
    Superannuation refers to a pension or retirement fund.  
    Imbecility means a lack of intelligence, but it doesn't specifically relate to old age.

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Kristin Brown |MEd (Curriculum and Teaching) |
English Teacher
Kristin Brown is a highly experienced English teacher, editor, and proofreader based in Massachusetts. She holds a Master's of Education in Curriculum and Teaching from Fitchburg State University and a Bachelor of Science in English/Language Arts Teacher Education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She holds a strong grasp on educational technology, curriculum creation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

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