U.S. Word Usage Test
Choose the option below that correctly matches the following similar words to their meanings. i)Credible A)gullible; willing to believe or trust too readily ii)Credulous B)bringing or de...
iC, iiB, iiiA 20.0%
iB, iiC, iiiA 20.0%
iC, iiA, iiiB 60.0%
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct phrase from the options below. ________________, I have enclosed our sales brochure and product information pamphlets.
Per your request 0.0%
As per your request 25.0%
As you requested 75.0%
As per the request you recently made 0.0%
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct sequence of words from the options below. Due to Alistair's ___________ nature, our weekend at his home wasn't as ____________ as we had hoped.
restive / restful 50.0%
restful / restive 0.0%
restful / restless 50.0%
restless / restive 0.0%
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.
loose / lose 75.0%
loose / loose 0.0%
lose / loose 25.0%
lose / lose 0.0%
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct sequence of words from the options below. Horace knew he'd walked into a ____________ trap when he opened the door to nothing but a ________...
deadly / deathly 100.0%
deathly / deadly 0.0%
deadly / deafly 0.0%
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 convolu...
unreadable / illegible 0.0%
legible / readable 50.0%
illegible / unreadable 50.0%
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 ________...
repulse / repulsive / repelled 33.0%
rappel / repelled / repulsed 0.0%
repel / repulsive / rappelled 66.0%
rappel / repulsed / repelled 0.0%
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct sequence of words from the options below. The astrologer advised Josephine to wear a five-____________ ruby set in 24-___________gold.
carat / karat 66.0%
karat / caret 0.0%
carrot / karat 0.0%
caret / carat 33.0%
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct sequence of words from the options below. Walter wears his _________________ clothes ________________, but saves his tuxedo for special occa...
everyday / every day 66.0%
every day / everyday 0.0%
everyday / everyday 33.0%
every day / every day 0.0%
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.
Climatic 0.0%
Clichéd 33.0%
Climactic 66.0%
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 ...
less / fewer 66.0%
less / less 0.0%
fewer / fewer 0.0%
fewer / less 0.0%
Both b and d may be used. 33.0%
Both a and c may be used. 0.0%
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below. Annabelle told no one but her long-time ______________ of her intention to join the circus.
confident 0.0%
confider 33.0%
confidant 66.0%
confessor 0.0%
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below. Annabelle told no one, but her long-time ______________, of her intention to join the circus.
confident 0%
confider 0%
confidant 0%
confessor 0%
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below. By carefully studying the clues, the detective ________ that the minister's son was the culprit.
induced 33.0%
deduced 66.0%
adduced 0.0%
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below. I must warn you that Mr. Gladstone lost all of my money in bad investments, so I'd be ____________ of his finan...
wary 33.0%
leery 0.0%
weary 33.0%
Either a or b may be used 33.0%
Either b or c may be used 0.0%
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below. Martha has a real ______________ for writing ballads and odes.
flare 33.0%
flair 66.0%
flayer 0.0%
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.
may 0.0%
must 0.0%
might 66.0%
mightn't 33.0%
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below. Pauline will _____________ arrive late so she can make a grand entrance.
doubtless 33.0%
doubtlessly 66.0%
undoubted 0.0%
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below. The herd of gazelles successfully ____________ the wild cheetahs.
alluded 0.0%
eluded 66.0%
illuded 33.0%
Complete the following three sentences by choosing the correct sequence of words from the options below. 1)____________ Vernon and Veronica, Veronica is the more astute. 2)The alarms went off, and...
Between / among / amid 33.0%
Among / amid / between 0.0%
Amid / between / among 0.0%
Between / amid / among 66.0%
From the options below, choose the correct preposition to complete the underlined prepositional idiom in the following sentence. A sunny day at the beach is certainly preferable ______ a rainy day...
with 0.0%
than 0.0%
for 33.0%
to 66.0%
No preposition is needed. 0.0%
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 ba...
at 0.0%
on 66.0%
off 0.0%
with 33.0%
No preposition is needed 0.0%
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 co...
as 66.0%
for 0.0%
to 33.0%
No preposition is needed. 0.0%
From the options below, choose the correct preposition to complete the underlined prepositional idiom in the following sentence. Josh is completely enamored ______ that puppy!
to 0.0%
of 66.0%
at 33.0%
No preposition is needed. 0.0%
From the options below, choose the correct preposition to complete the underlined prepositional idiom in the following sentence. The CEO's decision to step down is based ______ his need to take ca...
on 66.0%
in 0.0%
over 33.0%
No preposition is needed. 0.0%
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 __...
with 0.0%
in 0.0%
by 66.0%
of 33.0%
From the options below, choose the correct preposition to complete the underlined prepositional idiom in the following sentence. The only way Amy will be allowed to stay in that apartment is if sh...
on 66.0%
about 0.0%
upon 0.0%
over 0.0%
No preposition is needed. 33.0%
From the options below, choose the correct preposition to complete the underlined prepositional idiom in the following sentence. Vincent's mastery _____ painting has put him in a league of his own...
of 66.0%
over 0.0%
in 33.0%
No preposition is needed. 0.0%
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 ...
with 0.0%
for 66.0%
to 0.0%
of 33.0%
No preposition is needed. 0.0%
From the options below, choose the correct sequence of prepositions to complete the underlined prepositional idioms in the following sentence. Agatha and her daughter argue _____ the neighbors con...
about / over 33.0%
over / at 0.0%
with / about 66.0%
against / about 0.0%
From the options below, choose the correct sequence of prepositions to complete the underlined prepositional idioms in the following sentence. Martin couldn't tell if Maude was shivering _____ the...
at / from 0.0%
from / from 33.0%
for / at 0.0%
from / at 66.0%
From the options below, choose the correct sequence of prepositions to complete the underlined prepositional idioms in the following sentence. My supervisor cannot abide _____ anyone who comes in ...
with / by 0.0%
No preposition needed / by 66.0%
by / with 0.0%
by / No preposition needed 33.0%
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 ca...
in / as 33.0%
for / in 0.0%
in / for 66.0%
for / on 0.0%
From the options below, choose the correct sequence of prepositions to complete the underlined prepositional idioms in the following sentence. You may differ _____ me, but I think this golf course ...
with / from 66.0%
from / over 0.0%
from / about 0.0%
about / from 33.0%
Of the following similar words, which connotes feelings of resentment toward another person, particularly in reference to personal relationships?
Envy 33.0%
Jealousy 66.0%
Of the following similar words, which implies a movement?
On 0.0%
On to 0.0%
Onto 100.0%
Of the similar words below, the word "________________" is most commonly used to express a formal request.
can 33.0%
could 0.0%
may 66.0%
might 0.0%
Select the correct meaning of the adjective "noisome."
Making much noise 0.0%
Noxious or offensive 66.0%
Boring 33.0%
Select the correct meaning of the verb "condole."
To comfort 0.0%
To express sympathy to 66.0%
To portion out 33.0%
The article "an" is normally used before all of the following words except ________.
hour 33.0%
eulogy 66.0%
umbrella 0.0%
X-ray 0.0%
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? C...
Illicit / Unlawful / Illegal / Criminal 66.0%
Criminal / Illicit / Unlawful / Illegal 33.0%
Unlawful / Illegal / Illicit / Criminal 0.0%
Unlawful / Criminal / Illicit / Illegal 0.0%
The preferred form for directional words in American English is ___________.
without an "s," as in toward, afterward, upward, forward, and backward 0%
with an "s," as in towards, afterwards, upwards, forwards, and backwards 0%
The word "______________" means to convey an additional, nuanced meaning of a word, whereas the word "______________" specifies the literal meaning of a word or phrase.
denote / connote 0.0%
connote / denote 100.0%
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.
wrong / wrongful 66.0%
wrongful / wrong 0.0%
The two words are completely interchangeable. 33.0%
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.
accord / accordance 33.0%
accordant / accord 0.0%
accordance / accordant 66.0%
The word "____________" refers to feeling satisfied with one's life and not feeling the need to take any action for its betterment, whereas the word "____________" means to be easygoing and eager t...
complacent / compliant 0.0%
complaisant / complacent 33.0%
compliant / complaisant 0.0%
complacent / complaisant 66.0%
The word "____________" refers to feeling satisfied with one's life, whereas the word "____________" means to be easygoing and eager to please.
complacent / compliant 33.0%
complaisant / complacent 0.0%
compliant / complaisant 0.0%
complacent / complaisant 66.0%
When referring to two distinct things, which of the following words means "the second of the two"?
Former 0.0%
Later 0.0%
Latter 66.0%
Penultimate 33.0%
Which of the following options best defines the word "friendly"?
Amiable 33.0%
Amicable 0.0%
Both words mean "friendly," but "amiable" refers to people and "amicable" refers to relationships. 66.0%
Both words mean "friendly," but "amiable" refers to relationships and "amicable" refers to people. 0.0%
Which of the following sentences uses the word "impact" and/or its variations correctly?
The recession has severely impacted our company's bottom line. 0.0%
The recession has had a severe impact on our company's bottom line. 66.0%
Our company's bottom line has suffered a severe impaction due to the recession. 0.0%
Both a and b are correct. 33.0%
Both b and c are correct. 0.0%
Which of the following similar prefixes generally means "half"?
Which of the following similar words expresses a sense of tediousness?
Repetitive 0.0%
Repetitious 100.0%
Which of the following similar words expresses a stronger sense of duty?
Which of the following similar words generally has a negative connotation?
Childlike 0.0%
Childhood 0.0%
Childish 100.0%
Which of the following similar words is more associated with influencing beliefs or understandings?
Persuade 66.0%
Convince 33.0%
Which of the following similar words is more commonly associated with a physical reliance on something?
Addiction 33.0%
Dependence 66.0%
Which of the following similar words is more commonly associated with secretly working together to plot a misdeed?
Conspire 66.0%
Connive 33.0%
Which of the following similar words is most commonly used to describe a feature that makes a person, place, or thing easy to pick out from others?
Distinguishable 0.0%
Distinguished 0.0%
Distinctive 100.0%
Which of the following similar words is the better choice when referring to something that promotes health?
Healthy 0.0%
Healthful 100.0%
Which of the following similar words is used to describe one's negative feelings and antipathy for something?
Adverse 33.0%
Averse 66.0%
Which of the following similar words is used to refer to a perennial disease of a region or population?
Pandemic 0.0%
Endemic 66.0%
Epidemic 33.0%
Which of the following similar words refers to a strong criticism?
Censor 33.0%
Censure 66.0%
Which of the following similar words refers to something that is lush and grows abundantly?
Luxuriant 66.0%
Luxurious 33.0%
Which of the following similar words refers to something that is well-known or momentous in history?
Historic 100.0%
Historical 0.0%
Which of the following statements is CORRECT?
The word "continuous" refers to something that occurs constantly, uninterrupted, or without a break, whereas the word "continual" refers to something that is frequently repeated. 66.0%
The word "continual' refers to something that occurs constantly, uninterrupted, or without a break, whereas the word "continuous" refers to something that is frequently repeated. 33.0%
The words "continuous" and "continual" are synonyms and are interchangeable. 0.0%
The word "continual" does not exist in American English usage. 0.0%
Which of the following statements regarding the use of "that" and "which" is CORRECT?
"Which" is used to narrow a category or identify an item that is being talked about. "That" is used to indicate something that has already been mentioned. 66.0%
"That" is used to narrow a category or identify an item that is being talked about. "Which" is used to indicate something that has already been mentioned. 33.0%
Which of the following words is a verb meaning "to draw out or bring forth"?
Illicit 0.0%
Elide 33.0%
Elicit 66.0%
Illume 0.0%
Which of the following words is most commonly used as a verb meaning "to produce a change in"?
Affect 100.0%
Effect 0.0%
Which of the following words is often associated with money?
Disperse 0.0%
Disburse 66.0%
Dispense 33.0%
Which of the following words is used to show uncertainty or a conditional statement?
Can 33.0%
Could 66.0%
Will 0.0%
None of the above 0.0%
Which of the following words means "difficult to comprehend"?
Abstruse 66.0%
Obdurate 0.0%
Obtuse 0.0%
Absurd 33.0%
Which of the following words means "once every two years"?
Annual 0.0%
Biennial 66.0%
Semiannual 33.0%
Which of the following words means "separate, unconnected, or distinct"?
Discreet 33.0%
Secrete 0.0%
Discrete 66.0%
Which of the following words means "to excite, arouse, or offend"?
Peak 0.0%
Peek 0.0%
Pique 100.0%
Which of the following words means "to inform or notify"?
Appraise 33.0%
Appease 0.0%
Apprise 66.0%
Appall 0.0%
Which of the following words means "unconcerned, bored, not interested"?
Disinterested 0.0%
Uninterested 66.0%
The words are synonyms and are completely interchangeable. 33.0%
Which of the following words refers to a state of immobility?
Stationery 0.0%
Stationary 100.0%
Which of the following words would be most appropriate when referring to a vessel's ability to hold or contain something?
Ability 33.0%
Capability 0.0%
Capacity 66.0%