Basic English Grammar Lessons Quiz
English can be a difficult language to understand, especially if you do not take up enough practice. Do you think that your English grammar needs some work? If so take up the quiz below and please choose the correct answers to the following questions and learn about basic English grammar terms. All the best and don’t forget to keep an eye out for more quizzes like this.
- 1.
Part I: English Grammar Select the best answer. Juan___________ in the library this morning.
- A.
Is study
- B.
Studying
- C.
Is studying
- D.
Are studying
Correct Answer
C. Is studyingExplanation
The sentence is in the present tense and refers to a singular subject, "Juan". Therefore, the correct form of the verb to use is "is studying". This form indicates that Juan is currently engaged in the activity of studying in the library this morning.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Alicia, __________ the windows please. It's too hot in here.
- A.
Opens
- B.
Open
- C.
Opened
- D.
Will opened
Correct Answer
B. OpenExplanation
The correct answer is "open" because it is the correct form of the verb to use with the subject "Alicia" in the imperative form. The sentence is giving a command or instruction for Alicia to perform the action of opening the windows.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The movie was __________ the book.
- A.
As
- B.
As good
- C.
Good as
- D.
As good as
Correct Answer
D. As good asExplanation
The correct answer is "as good as." This phrase is used to compare the movie to the book, implying that the movie is of equal quality or excellence as the book.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Eli's hobbies include jogging, swimming, and __________.
- A.
To climb mountains
- B.
Climb mountains
- C.
To climb
- D.
Climbing mountains
Correct Answer
D. Climbing mountainsExplanation
The given sentence states that Eli's hobbies include jogging and swimming. To maintain parallelism in the sentence, the missing activity should also be in the gerund form. Therefore, the correct answer is "climbing mountains," as it follows the same pattern as the other hobbies mentioned.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Mr. Hawkins requests that someone _________ the data by fax immediately.
- A.
sent
- B.
Sends
- C.
send
- D.
To send
Correct Answer
B. SendsExplanation
The correct answer is "sends" because the sentence is in the present tense and the word "that" indicates a subjunctive mood. In the subjunctive mood, the verb "send" should be in the third person singular form, which is "sends."Rate this question:
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- 6.
Who is ____________ , Marina or Sachiko?
- A.
Tallest
- B.
Tall
- C.
taller
- D.
The tallest
Correct Answer
C. tallerExplanation
The question is asking for a comparison between Marina and Sachiko in terms of height. The word "taller" is used to compare the height of two people, indicating that one person is taller than the other. Therefore, the correct answer is "taller" as it suggests that one of them is taller than the other.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The concert will begin ________ fifteen minutes.
- A.
In
- B.
On
- C.
With
- D.
About
Correct Answer
A. InExplanation
The correct answer is "in" because it is the most appropriate preposition to indicate the starting time of an event. "In" is commonly used to specify a period of time before an event begins, and in this case, it indicates that the concert will start after a period of fifteen minutes.Rate this question:
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- 8.
I have only a ________ Christmas cards left to write.
- A.
few
- B.
fewer
- C.
Less
- D.
Little
Correct Answer
A. fewExplanation
The word "few" is the correct answer because it is used to describe a small number of things. In this context, it implies that the speaker has only a small number of Christmas cards left to write. The other options, such as "fewer," "less," and "little," do not convey the same meaning and are not appropriate in this sentence.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Each of the Olympic athletes ____________ for months, even years.
- A.
Have been training
- B.
Were training
- C.
Has been training
- D.
Been training
Correct Answer
C. Has been trainingExplanation
The correct answer is "has been training". This is because the sentence is referring to multiple Olympic athletes, but it is discussing their individual training efforts. The phrase "for months, even years" indicates a duration of time, which is consistent with the present perfect continuous tense. Therefore, "has been training" is the correct verb form to use in this context.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Maria __________ never late for work.
- A.
Am
- B.
are
- C.
Were
- D.
is
Correct Answer
D. isExplanation
The correct answer is "is" because the sentence is in the present tense and refers to a singular subject, Maria. "Is" is the correct form of the verb "to be" for a singular subject in the present tense.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The company will upgrade _________ computer information systems next month
- A.
there
- B.
Their
- C.
It's
- D.
Its
Correct Answer
D. ItsExplanation
The correct answer is "its". In this sentence, "its" is used as a possessive pronoun to show that the company will upgrade its own computer information systems. "There" is used to indicate a location, "their" is used to show possession by multiple people or things, and "it's" is a contraction of "it is" which is not appropriate in this context.Rate this question:
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- 12.
You were ____________ the New York office before 2 p.m.
- A.
Suppose call
- B.
Supposed to call
- C.
Supposed calling
- D.
Supposed call
Correct Answer
B. Supposed to callExplanation
The correct answer is "supposed to call". This is because the sentence is referring to an obligation or expectation of making a call to the New York office before 2 p.m. The phrase "supposed to" indicates that it was expected or required for the person to make the call.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Cheryl likes apples, ______ she does not like oranges.
- A.
So
- B.
For
- C.
But
- D.
Or
Correct Answer
C. ButExplanation
This question is testing the use of contrasting conjunctions. "But" is the correct answer because it is used to show a contrast between Cheryl's liking for apples and her dislike for oranges. The word "but" is commonly used to introduce a contradictory or contrasting statement. In this case, it indicates that Cheryl's preference for apples does not extend to oranges.Rate this question:
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- 14.
When I graduate from college next June, I _____________ a student here for five years.
- A.
Will have been
- B.
Have been
- C.
Has been
- D.
Will have
Correct Answer
A. Will have beenExplanation
The correct answer is "will have been". This is because the sentence is referring to a future event (graduating from college next June) and the completion of an action that started in the past and continues up until that future point. The future perfect tense "will have been" is used to express this idea.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Ms. Guth _________ rather not invest that money in the stock market
- A.
Has to
- B.
Could
- C.
Would
- D.
Must
Correct Answer
C. WouldExplanation
The correct answer is "would" because it indicates a conditional preference or hypothetical situation. In this context, Ms. Guth is expressing her preference or inclination not to invest the money in the stock market. The word "would" suggests that if given the choice, she would choose not to invest in stocks.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Part II: English Grammar Select the one underlined word or phrase that is incorrect. 1. The majority to the news is about violence or scandal.
- A.
The
- B.
to
- C.
News
- D.
Violence
Correct Answer
B. toExplanation
The correct answer is "to". In this sentence, "to" should be replaced with "of" to make the sentence grammatically correct. "The majority of the news" is the correct phrase to use when talking about the content of news.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Takeshi swimmed one hundred laps in the pool yesterday.
- A.
Swimmed
- B.
Hundred
- C.
In
- D.
yesterday
Correct Answer
A. Swimmed -
- 18.
When our vacation, we plan to spend three days scuba diving.
- A.
When
- B.
plan
- C.
Days
- D.
Diving
Correct Answer
A. When -
- 19.
Mr. Feinauer does not take critical of his work very well.
- A.
does
- B.
Critical
- C.
his
- D.
Well
Correct Answer
B. CriticalExplanation
Mr. Feinauer does not take criticism of his work very well.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Yvette and Rinaldo send e-mail messages to other often.
- A.
And
- B.
Send
- C.
other
- D.
Often
Correct Answer
C. otherExplanation
Yvette and Rinaldo frequently send email messages to each other.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Mr. Olsen is telephoning a American Red Cross for help.
- A.
is
- B.
A
- C.
Red
- D.
For
Correct Answer
B. AExplanation
The correct answer is "a". The sentence is describing Mr. Olsen's action of telephoning the American Red Cross for help. The word "a" is used to indicate that Mr. Olsen is calling a specific organization, in this case, the American Red Cross.Rate this question:
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- 22.
I had a enjoyable time at the party last night.
- A.
A
- B.
time
- C.
At
- D.
Last
Correct Answer
A. AExplanation
The phrase "a time" in the sentence refers to a specific period or duration. It indicates that the speaker had a specific and defined period of enjoyment at the party. The use of the preposition "at" indicates the location or event where the enjoyable time occurred, which is the party in this case. The word "last" indicates that the enjoyable time happened in the recent past. Therefore, the correct answer is "a."Rate this question:
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- 23.
The doctor him visited the patient's parents.
- A.
The
- B.
Him
- C.
Visited
- D.
Patient's
Correct Answer
B. HimExplanation
The given sentence is grammatically incorrect. The correct sentence should be "The doctor visited the patient's parents." The word "him" is not needed in the sentence and does not make sense in this context.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Petra intends to starting her own software business in a few years.
- A.
intends
- B.
Starting
- C.
Software
- D.
Few
Correct Answer
B. StartingExplanation
Petra plans to begin her own software business in the near future.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Each day after school, Jerome run five miles.
- A.
Each
- B.
After
- C.
run
- D.
Miles
Correct Answer
C. runExplanation
Jerome runs five miles each day after school.Rate this question:
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- 26.
He goes never to the company softball games.
- A.
never
- B.
the
- C.
softball
- D.
Games
Correct Answer
A. neverExplanation
The word "never" is used to indicate that he does not attend the company softball games.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Do you know the student who books were stolen?
- A.
Do
- B.
Know
- C.
Who
- D.
Were
Correct Answer
C. WhoExplanation
The correct answer is "who" because it is the relative pronoun that is used to introduce a clause that provides more information about the student. In this case, the clause "who books were stolen" identifies the specific student who had their books stolen.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Jean-Pierre will spend his vacation either in Singapore nor the Bahamas.
- A.
Will
- B.
his
- C.
Nor
- D.
Bahamas
Correct Answer
C. NorExplanation
The correct answer is "nor". "Nor" is used to connect two negative alternatives. In this case, it is used to show that Jean-Pierre will not spend his vacation in Singapore and he will also not spend it in the Bahamas.Rate this question:
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- 29.
I told the salesman that I was not interesting in buying the latest model.
- A.
told
- B.
That
- C.
Interesting
- D.
Buying
Correct Answer
C. InterestingExplanation
The correct answer is "interesting". In the given sentence, the word "interesting" should be replaced with "interested". This is because "interested" is the correct adjective form to describe a person's state of wanting to buy something, while "interesting" describes something that catches one's attention or holds one's interest.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Frederick used work for a multinational corporation when he lived in Malaysia.
- A.
Used work
- B.
Multinational
- C.
When
- D.
Lived in
Correct Answer
A. Used workExplanation
The phrase "used work" is incorrect because it should be "used to work" to indicate a past habit or action. The correct phrase should be "used to work" for proper grammar.Rate this question:
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- 31.
Part III. English Vocabulary Select the best answer. 1. The rate of ___________ has been fluctuating wildly this week.
- A.
Money
- B.
bills
- C.
Coins
- D.
Exchange
Correct Answer
D. ExchangeExplanation
The correct answer is "exchange" because the sentence mentions that the rate has been fluctuating, which implies a change in value or conversion. "Exchange" refers to the act of converting one currency into another, which fits the context of the sentence.Rate this question:
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- 32.
The bus ___________ arrives late during bad weather.
- A.
Every week
- B.
Later
- C.
Yesterday
- D.
Always
Correct Answer
D. AlwaysExplanation
The word "always" is the correct answer because it indicates that the bus consistently arrives late during bad weather. It suggests that regardless of the specific circumstances or time frame mentioned, the bus is consistently late during bad weather.Rate this question:
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- 33.
Do you ____________ where the nearest grocery store is?
- A.
Know
- B.
No
- C.
now
- D.
Not
Correct Answer
A. KnowExplanation
The word "know" is the correct answer because it is the only option that fits grammatically and semantically in the sentence. The sentence is asking if the person has knowledge or awareness of the location of the nearest grocery store. The other options, "no," "now," and "not," do not make sense in the context of the question.Rate this question:
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- 34.
Jerry Seinfeld, the popular American comedian, has his audiences ___________.
- A.
Putting too many irons in the fire
- B.
Keeping their noses out of someone's business
- C.
Rolling in the aisles
- D.
Going to bat for someone
Correct Answer
C. Rolling in the aislesExplanation
Jerry Seinfeld, known for his comedic performances, is able to make his audiences laugh uncontrollably. The phrase "rolling in the aisles" is often used to describe this level of laughter and enjoyment.Rate this question:
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- 35.
The chairperson will ____________ members to the subcommittee.
- A.
Appoint
- B.
Disappoint
- C.
Appointment
- D.
disappointed
Correct Answer
A. AppointExplanation
The correct answer is "appoint". In this sentence, the verb "appoint" is used to indicate that the chairperson will choose or select members for the subcommittee. The other options, "disappoint", "appointment", and "disappointed", do not fit the context of the sentence and do not convey the same meaning as "appoint".Rate this question:
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- 36.
The critics had to admit that the ballet ______________ was superb.
- A.
Procrastinate
- B.
performance
- C.
Pathology
- D.
psychosomatic
Correct Answer
B. performanceExplanation
The given sentence states that the critics had to admit that the ballet was superb. This implies that the ballet was of high quality or exceptionally well-executed. Therefore, the most suitable word to fill in the blank is "performance," as it refers to a specific act or instance of performing, which aligns with the context of the sentence.Rate this question:
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- 37.
Peter says he can't ___________ our invitation to dinner tonight
- A.
Angel
- B.
Across
- C.
Accept
- D.
Almost
Correct Answer
C. AcceptExplanation
Peter says he can't accept our invitation to dinner tonight. This means that Peter is declining or refusing the invitation. He is stating that he is unable to agree to or take up the offer to join for dinner.Rate this question:
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- 38.
We were __________ friends in that strange but magical country.
- A.
Upon
- B.
Among
- C.
Toward
- D.
In addition to
Correct Answer
B. AmongExplanation
Among is the correct answer because it is used to indicate being part of a group or surrounded by a number of people or things. In this context, it suggests that the speaker had multiple friends in the strange but magical country, emphasizing the idea of being surrounded by friends rather than just having one or two.Rate this question:
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- 39.
The hurricane caused ____________ damage to the city.
- A.
Extend
- B.
extended
- C.
Extensive
- D.
extension
Correct Answer
C. ExtensiveExplanation
The word "extensive" is the correct answer because it accurately describes the level of damage caused by the hurricane. "Extensive" means that the damage was widespread and significant, indicating that the hurricane caused a large amount of destruction throughout the city.Rate this question:
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- 40.
Many cultures have special ceremonies to celebrate a person's _________ of passage into adulthood.
- A.
right
- B.
rite
- C.
Writ
- D.
Write
Correct Answer
B. riteExplanation
The correct answer is "rite." This is because the sentence is referring to special ceremonies that celebrate a person's passage into adulthood, which is commonly known as a "rite of passage." A rite of passage is a cultural or traditional event that marks an individual's transition from one stage of life to another, typically from childhood to adulthood.Rate this question:
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- 41.
Part IV. English Reading Comprehension Select the best answer. Directions to Erik's house Leave Interstate 25 at exit 7S. Follow that road (Elm Street) for two miles. After one mile, you will pass a small shopping center on your left. At the next set of traffic lights, turn right onto Maple Drive. Erik's house is the third house on your left. It's number 33, and it's white with green trim. 1. What is Erik's address?
- A.
Interstate 25
- B.
2 Elm Street
- C.
13 Erika Street
- D.
33 Maple Drive
Correct Answer
D. 33 Maple DriveExplanation
The correct answer is 33 Maple Drive. This is indicated in the passage where it states "Erik's house is the third house on your left. It's number 33, and it's white with green trim."Rate this question:
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- 42.
Date: May 16, 1998 To: Megan Fallerman From: Steven Roberts Subject: Staff Meeting Please be prepared to give your presentation on the monthly sales figures at our upcoming staff meeting. In addition to the accurate accounting of expenditures for the monthly sales, be ready to discuss possible reasons for fluctuations as well as possible trends in future customer spending. Thank you. 3. The main focus of the presentation will be ______________.
- A.
Monthly expenditures
- B.
Monthly salary figures
- C.
Monthly sales figures
- D.
Staff meeting presentations
Correct Answer
C. Monthly sales figuresExplanation
The main focus of the presentation will be on the monthly sales figures. This is evident from the email where Steven Roberts asks Megan Fallerman to be prepared to give a presentation on the monthly sales figures at the upcoming staff meeting. The email specifically mentions that Megan should provide an accurate accounting of expenditures for the monthly sales and discuss possible reasons for fluctuations and trends in future customer spending. Therefore, the main focus of the presentation will be on analyzing and discussing the monthly sales figures.Rate this question:
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- 43.
Who will give the presentation?
- A.
The company president
- B.
Megan Fallerman
- C.
Steven Roberts
- D.
Future customers
Correct Answer
B. Megan FallermanExplanation
Megan Fallerman will give the presentation because she is mentioned as one of the options for who will give the presentation. There is no information provided about the company president, Steven Roberts, or future customers giving the presentation, so they are not the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 44.
The B&B Tour Spend ten romantic days enjoying the lush countryside of southern England. The counties of Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, and Essex invite you to enjoy their castles and coastline, their charming bed and breakfast inns, their museums and their cathedrals. Spend lazy days watching the clouds drift by or spend active days hiking the glorious hills. These fields were home to Thomas Hardy, and the ports launched ships that shaped world history. Bed and breakfasts abound, ranging from quiet farmhouses to lofty castles. Our tour begins August 15. Call or fax us today for more information 1-800-222-XXXX. Enrollment is limited, so please call soon. 5. Which of the following counties is not included in the tour?
- A.
Devon
- B.
Cornwall
- C.
Essex
- D.
Hampshire
Correct Answer
B. CornwallExplanation
The correct answer is Cornwall. The passage mentions that the counties included in the tour are Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, and Essex. Cornwall is not mentioned as one of the counties included in the tour.Rate this question:
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- 45.
How many people can go on this tour?
- A.
10
- B.
An unlimited number
- C.
2-8
- D.
A limited number
Correct Answer
D. A limited numberExplanation
The answer "a limited number" suggests that there is a specific maximum number of people who can go on the tour. It implies that there are restrictions or limitations in terms of the capacity or availability of resources for the tour.Rate this question:
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- 46.
What can we infer about this area of southern England?
- A.
The region has lots of vegetation.
- B.
The coast often has harsh weather.
- C.
The sun is hot and the air is dry.
- D.
The land is flat.
Correct Answer
A. The region has lots of vegetation.Explanation
Based on the given information, we can infer that the area of southern England has lots of vegetation. This can be deduced from the fact that the region is described as having lots of vegetation, while there is no mention of harsh weather, hot sun, dry air, or flat land. Therefore, the presence of vegetation is the only inference that can be made about this area.Rate this question:
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- 47.
Anna Szewcyzk, perhaps the most popular broadcaster in the news media today, won the 1998 Broadcasting Award. She got her start in journalism as an editor at the Hollsville County Times in Missouri. When the newspaper went out of business, a colleague persuaded her to enter the field of broadcasting. She moved to Oregon to begin a master's degree in broadcast journalism at Atlas University. Following graduation, she was able to begin her career as a local newscaster with WPSU-TV in Seattle, Washington, and rapidly advanced to national television. Noted for her quick wit and trenchant commentary, her name has since become synonymous with Good Day, America! Accepting the award at the National Convention of Broadcast Journalism held in Chicago, Ms. Szewcyzk remarked, "I am so honored by this award that I'm at a total loss for words!" Who would ever have believed it? 8. What is the purpose of this announcement?
- A.
To invite people to the National Convention of Broadcast Journalism
- B.
To encourage college students to study broadcasting
- C.
To recognize Ms. Szewcyzk's accomplishments
- D.
To advertise a job opening at the Hollsville County Times
Correct Answer
C. To recognize Ms. Szewcyzk's accomplishmentsExplanation
The purpose of this announcement is to recognize Ms. Szewcyzk's accomplishments. The passage mentions that she won the 1998 Broadcasting Award and her career advancement in the field of broadcasting. Additionally, it highlights her popularity and association with the show "Good Day, America!" The mention of her acceptance speech at the National Convention of Broadcast Journalism further emphasizes the recognition of her achievements.Rate this question:
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- 48.
The expression "to become synonymous with" means
- A.
To be the same as.
- B.
To be the opposite of.
- C.
To be in sympathy with.
- D.
To be discharged from.
Correct Answer
A. To be the same as.Explanation
The expression "to become synonymous with" means to be the same as. This means that when something becomes synonymous with something else, it is essentially identical or closely related in meaning or significance.Rate this question:
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- 49.
What was Ms. Szewczyk's first job in journalism?
- A.
She was a T.V. announcer in Washington.
- B.
She was a newscaster in Oregon.
- C.
She was an editor for a newspaper in Missouri.
- D.
She was a talk show host in Chicago.
Correct Answer
C. She was an editor for a newspaper in Missouri.Explanation
Ms. Szewczyk's first job in journalism was as an editor for a newspaper in Missouri.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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May 05, 2009Quiz Created by
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