Advanced idiomatic language. 45 questions on formal fixed expressions, idiomatic grammatical patterns, register-sensitive idiom choice, and idiom error-analysis in extended texts.
What this test covers
- Formal and Academic Fixed Expressions
- Idiomatic Grammatical Patterns and Structures
- Idiomatic Error-Analysis in Extended Formal and Semi-Formal Texts
Answer the 45 questions below. Each answer is checked straight away, with an explanation. Press Submit at the end to get your score and save it to your dashboard. Answers are not kept if you leave before submitting.
All 45 questions with answers
Pick an answer for each question to see if you are right, with the explanation. Submit when you are done; you can submit before answering them all.
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Q1The committee decided to reduce the project funding. ___ the same token, they decided to extend the project deadline by six months to allow for more research.
Answer: C. By
The fixed prepositional phrase 'by the same token' functions as a cohesive device to introduce a point that follows logically from, or is analogous to, the preceding statement. It suggests that the same principle applies to both facts. Other prepositions such as 'on', 'with', or 'in' fail to form this established idiomatic unit and would be considered non-standard in formal writing.
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Q2___ the face of it, the proposal appears sound, but a deeper analysis reveals significant structural flaws in the implementation strategy.
Answer: A. On
The idiom 'on the face of it' is used to describe an initial impression or superficial appearance before closer inspection. It is a fixed prepositional phrase. Using 'at', 'in', or 'to' is incorrect because they do not collocate with 'the face of it' to produce this specific meaning of 'seemingly' or 'apparently'.
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Q3The CEO stated, '___ the final analysis, our success depends not on market trends, but on our internal commitment to innovation.'
Answer: D. In
'In the final analysis' is a formal adverbial phrase used to introduce a summary or identify the most significant factor after all details have been considered. The prepositions 'on', 'by', and 'at' do not form this specific lexical bundle (fixed group of words); they would change the phrase into a literal description of an analysis rather than a rhetorical summary marker.
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Q4While the initial report was promising, we cannot accept the preliminary findings ___ face value without further verification from the audit team.
Answer: C. at
To take something 'at face value' means to accept it exactly as it appears without questioning its hidden meaning or validity. While 'on' is used in the idiom 'on the face of it', 'at' is the required preposition for this specific construction. 'By' and 'in' are non-idiomatic in this context.
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Q5___ all intents and purposes, the merger has been completed, although a few minor legal documents still require final signatures.
Answer: C. To
The formal idiom 'to all intents and purposes' (meaning 'effectively' or 'virtually') is a traditional legalistic phrase. While 'for all intents and purposes' is a common and acceptable variant in many dialects, 'to' is often preferred in highly formal British English contexts. 'On all intents and purposes' is not a standard idiom in any variety of English. 'With' and 'By' are also incorrect as they do not form part of this fixed expression.
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Q6The report concludes that, ___ the whole, the new policy has achieved its primary objectives despite some initial resistance from staff.
Answer: C. on
'On the whole' is a fixed idiomatic phrase used as a sentence adverb to indicate a general summary. It means 'generally speaking' or 'considering everything'. Prepositions like 'at', 'by', or 'for' are not used in this structure and would make the sentence grammatically incorrect.
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Q7___ the wake of the financial crisis, many organizations were forced to restructure their entire operations to survive in the new economic climate.
Answer: B. In
The complex preposition 'in the wake of' is a metaphor referring to the path left behind a ship; it means 'following' or 'as a consequence of' an event. 'On', 'At', and 'By' do not form this established idiom. Using 'at the wake' would incorrectly imply attending a funeral-related event.
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Q8___ the light of recent developments, the board has decided to postpone the acquisition until the market stabilizes.
Answer: B. In
'In the light of' is a fixed idiom meaning 'taking into consideration' or 'because of'. It introduces information that explains or justifies a subsequent decision. 'By', 'At', and 'On' are non-idiomatic substitutions and do not convey the necessary sense of logical consideration.
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Q9The new legislation has improved workplace safety ___ no small measure by mandating stricter compliance protocols for all industrial sites.
Answer: C. in
The phrase 'in no small measure' is a formal idiomatic expression used to emphasize that a factor is significant or played a large role in an outcome. The preposition 'in' is fixed within this phrase; 'on', 'by', and 'at' are incorrect and do not exist as standard variants.
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Q10___ and large, the feedback from the seminar participants was overwhelmingly positive, despite minor complaints about the venue.
Answer: B. By
'By and large' is a binomial idiom (a pair of words linked by a conjunction) used to describe a general situation. It originated from nautical terminology. 'In', 'On', and 'At' are never used in this phrase; 'on and large' or 'by and big' would be incorrect lexical choices.
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Q11The manager went so far ___ suggest that the entire department be restructured, a proposal that shocked the senior leadership team.
Answer: A. as to
The intensive construction 'go so far as to [verb]' is used to emphasize that an action was extreme or unexpected. The 'as' is syntactically necessary here as it functions as a correlative to 'so'. Simply using 'to' or 'and' fails to complete the idiomatic comparison, while 'in' is grammatically invalid.
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Q12After reviewing the conflicting data, I am at a loss ___ explain the discrepancy between the projected outcomes and the actual results.
Answer: A. to
The idiom 'to be at a loss' is followed by a to-infinitive (to explain) when it describes an inability to do or understand something. Using 'for' would be correct only if followed by a noun (e.g., 'at a loss for words'). 'In' and 'at' are not used to catenate this idiom with a following verb.
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Q13Given our current liquidity constraints, we are not in a position ___ comment on the feasibility of the proposed expansion plan.
Answer: D. to
The formal phrase 'to be in a position to' means to have the authority, power, or capacity to do something. It requires a to-infinitive. Options like 'about' or 'for' are non-standard; 'in a position for commenting' sounds unnatural and is not the established formal idiom.
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Q14The research team had a hard time ___ the committee that the methodology was sound, despite repeated requests for clarification.
Answer: D. convincing
The idiomatic structure 'have a hard time' (or 'have difficulty') is followed by a gerund-participle (convincing). Using a to-infinitive ('to convince') is a very common error; however, in standard English, this construction requires the -ing form to describe the ongoing effort or struggle.
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Q15There is no denying ___ the company has faced significant challenges this year, yet performance remains remarkably stable.
Answer: C. that
The idiomatic existential construction 'there is no denying' functions like a verb of reporting or belief and is followed by a declarative 'that-clause'. This clause acts as the object of the idea being denied. 'If' would suggest doubt, and 'what' or 'which' would incorrectly imply a relative or interrogative function.
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Q16It stands to reason ___ a company with higher investment in R&D will eventually gain a competitive advantage in the market.
Answer: C. that
'It stands to reason that' is a fixed impersonal construction used to introduce a logical conclusion. The 'that' introduces a content clause (the conclusion). Using 'why', 'what', or 'how' would turn the statement into an indirect question, which does not match the meaning of 'it is logical to conclude'.
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Q17The startup is on the ___ of collapse due to poor management and a failure to secure necessary venture capital funding.
Answer: D. brink
'On the brink of' is the fixed idiom for describing extreme proximity to a major negative transition, such as collapse. 'Border', 'rim', and 'side' are not used metaphorically in this way — they describe physical edges or boundaries, not the figurative precipice of an imminent disaster.
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Q18The new software update is on the ___ of being released, pending final testing and approval by the quality assurance team.
Answer: A. verge
The idiom 'on the verge of' indicates that an event is imminent. It is specifically used for transitions or states that are about to happen. While 'on the edge of' exists, it often carries a sense of precariousness or excitement; 'verge' is more neutral and standard for describing a forthcoming release.
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Q19While the project was completed on time, the overall quality of the final report leaves much to be ___.
Answer: B. desired
The fossilized passive idiom 'to leave much to be desired' means that something is highly unsatisfactory. 'Desired' is the only word that completes this specific fixed phrase. 'Wished', 'needed', and 'wanted' may share similar meanings in other contexts, but they are non-idiomatic here.
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Q20The team tried to move the ___ by changing the performance metrics halfway through the project, which caused significant frustration.
Answer: A. goalposts
The sports metaphor 'move the goalposts' refers to the unfair practice of changing the rules or criteria for success while a process is already underway. While 'targets' and 'boundaries' are related to the concept, they do not form the established idiom.
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Q21We must ensure a level playing ___ to guarantee that all vendors compete under the same rules and regulations.
Answer: A. field
The idiom 'a level playing field' describes a situation where everyone has the same opportunities or advantages. 'Field' is the fixed noun in this metaphor. Substituting 'ground', 'area', or 'zone' results in a non-standard phrase that would be immediately spotted as an error by a native speaker.
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Q22The CEO emphasized that all departments must be on the same ___ to achieve the ambitious growth targets set for the next fiscal year.
Answer: D. page
'On the same page' is an idiom meaning to have the same understanding or to be in agreement. 'On the same track' refers to following the same direction or process, but it does not specifically mean consensus or shared information, which is what is needed in this context.
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Q23By investing in new technology early, the firm remained ahead of the ___ and secured its position as a market leader.
Answer: B. game
The idiom 'ahead of the game' means to be in a leading or advantageous position through early preparation. 'Ahead of the hedge' and 'ahead of the flock' are not standard English idioms. While 'ahead of the trend' could describe an advantage, it is not a fixed idiomatic expression in this form — the established phrases are 'ahead of the game' or 'ahead of the curve'.
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Q24When the project hit a major snag, the team had to ___ the bullet and work overtime to meet the deadline.
Answer: C. bite
'Bite the bullet' is an idiom meaning to accept something difficult or unpleasant that is unavoidable. It originally referred to patients biting a bullet to endure pain during surgery without anesthesia. 'Swallow', 'eat', and 'chew' are non-idiomatic in this fixed expression.
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Q25After twelve hours of intense negotiations, the board decided to ___ it a day and resume the discussion tomorrow morning.
Answer: D. call
The fixed verbal idiom 'call it a day' means to decide to stop working on something for the rest of the day. It is a very common professional idiom. 'Take', 'make', and 'bring' are not used in this expression and would not be understood in this sense.
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Q26Choose the correct phrase to fix the error: The manager went so far to suggest a salary cut.
Answer: D. went so far as to
The error in the original sentence is the omission of 'as'. The correct idiomatic structure is 'go so far as to' + base verb. The word 'as' is required to provide the intensive force that characterizes this idiom. Without it, the sentence is ungrammatical.
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Q27Which of the following phrases is grammatically INCORRECT?
Answer: D. in the edge of
The preposition 'in' is incorrect. Idioms describing being close to a metaphorical precipice—'on the edge of', 'on the verge of', or 'on the brink of'—consistently use the preposition 'on'. Using 'in' is a common learner error caused by confusing these idioms with 'in the middle of'.
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Q28Which sentence is correct?
Answer: B. He was prone to making errors in the data.
The adjective 'prone' is most commonly followed by 'to + gerund' ('prone to making') in standard formal English. The key error in 'He was prone to make errors of the data' is the preposition 'of' in 'errors of the data'; the correct idiomatic phrase is 'errors in the data'. 'He was prone to making errors in the data' is correct on both counts: 'prone to making' uses the standard prepositional gerund construction, and 'errors in the data' uses the correct preposition. 'Prone for' and 'prone of' are non-standard collocations.
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Q29Which sentence is correct?
Answer: D. He is bound to succeed in his new role.
The modal-like idiom 'be bound' (meaning 'certain' or 'destined') requires a to-infinitive (to succeed). 'Bound for' indicates a destination (e.g., 'bound for London'), while 'bound that' and 'bound of' are syntactically incorrect.
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Q30Which sentence is correct?
Answer: D. There is no point in arguing about the past.
The fixed idiom 'there is no point' is standardly followed by 'in + gerund' (arguing). While 'there is no point to' is sometimes heard in informal speech, 'in' is the correct and expected preposition in formal writing and advanced examinations.
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Q31Passage analysis: [A] By the same token, the new software is efficient. [B] It has bridged the gap for remote workers. [C] There is no denying that the interface is complex. [D] The usability leaves much to be desired. Which sentence contains a logical error?
Answer: C. A
Sentence [A] contains a logical error because 'By the same token' is a connective device that requires a preceding statement to link back to. It cannot logically open a discourse because its meaning ('similarly' or 'for the same reasons') relies on a previously established point.
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Q32Passage analysis: [A] The project is on the brink of completion. [B] The team is ahead of the game. [C] However, the manager decided to throw in the towel. [D] This is a total bummer for the staff. Identify the colloquial error.
Answer: B. D
Sentence [D] is incorrect in a formal or semi-formal context because 'total bummer' is highly informal slang. While professional English allows for metaphors like 'ahead of the game' or 'throw in the towel', slang terms like 'bummer' are inappropriate.
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Q33Which of these idioms is most appropriate for a formal report?
Answer: C. a significant challenge
'A significant challenge' is formal and neutral. 'A piece of cake' and 'a walk in the park' are informal clichés, and 'a total bummer' is slang. Advanced writing requires avoiding informal clichés in favor of precise, neutral vocabulary.
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Q34Choose the correct phrase to fix the error: The firm is in the verge of collapse.
Answer: A. on the verge of
The error in the original sentence is the preposition 'in'. The idiom 'on the verge of' is a fixed lexical unit and consistently requires the preposition 'on'. Using 'in', 'at', or 'by' is non-standard and breaks the idiomatic pattern.
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Q35Passage analysis: [A] The methodology leaves much to be desired. [B] We are at a loss to explain the results. [C] The team is in the brink of success. [D] We are inclined to suggest a revision. Identify the error.
Answer: B. C
Sentence [C] contains the error. The correct preposition for the idiom is 'on the brink of', not 'in the brink of'. Precise use of prepositions within fixed expressions is a hallmark of advanced proficiency.
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Q36Passage analysis: [A] To all intents and purposes, the audit is finished. [B] At face value, the accounts are balanced. [C] But the methodology leaves much to be desired. [D] The team is in the brink of despair. Identify the error.
Answer: D. D
Sentence [D] is incorrect because it uses 'in the brink' instead of the standard 'on the brink of'. Even in emotional contexts like 'despair', the prepositional structure of the idiom remains fixed as 'on'.
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Q37Identify the logical inconsistency: [A] The company is on the verge of bankruptcy. [B] There is no denying that the situation is grave. [C] We are in a position to negotiate. [D] The outlook is on the whole positive.
Answer: C. D
Sentence [D] is logically inconsistent with [A] and [B]. If a company is 'on the verge of bankruptcy' and the situation is 'grave', the outlook cannot be described as 'on the whole positive'. This indicates a failure to understand the semantic implications of the idioms used.
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Q38Which sentence is correct?
Answer: D. We are in a position to help you.
The idiom 'be in a position' is followed by a to-infinitive (to help) to express having the ability or authority to act. The other options ('of helping', 'that we help', 'for helping') are non-idiomatic and grammatically incorrect for this specific construction.
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Q39Which sentence is correct?
Answer: C. It stands to reason that we will succeed.
The idiom 'it stands to reason' requires a declarative 'that-clause' with a subject and finite verb ('that we will succeed'). 'It stands to reason for us to succeed' and 'It stands to reason about us succeeding' use prepositional structures that do not fit the idiom, while 'that we succeeding' lacks a finite verb.
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Q40Passage analysis: [A] In the wake of the scandal, the board resigned. [B] In the light of this, we need new leadership. [C] We are at a loss to understand the motive. [D] It is a really bad situation for everyone. Identify the register error.
Answer: C. D
Sentence [D] displays a register error. 'Really bad' is vague and conversational. In a text using advanced idioms like 'in the wake of' and 'at a loss to', a writer should use more precise and formal adjectives such as 'dire', 'untenable', or 'precarious'.
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Q41Passage analysis: [A] The team is ahead of the game. [B] They have leveled the playing field. [C] But the manager keeps moving the goalposts. [D] This is a piece of cake for them. Identify the register error.
Answer: A. D
The idiom 'piece of cake' in Sentence [D] is a colloquialism that is too informal for the professional register established by the other sentences. While sports metaphors like 'moving the goalposts' are common in business, 'piece of cake' is best reserved for casual speech.
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Q42Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in a negative context?
Answer: C. The project is on the brink of collapse.
The idiom 'on the brink of' often has a negative tone, meaning it most frequently appears with words like 'collapse', 'disaster', or 'ruin'. While 'success' is possible, 'collapse' is the most idiomatic fit for a negative context, as 'brink' implies a fall into something bad.
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Q43Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Answer: B. She had a hard time convincing the board.
The structure 'have a hard time' is idiomatically followed by a gerund-participle (convincing) without an intervening preposition. Using 'to convince' (infinitive) or 'in/for convincing' (preposition + gerund) is non-standard in this specific fixed expression.
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Q44Passage analysis: [A] On the face of it, the data is consistent. [B] In the final analysis, it is flawed. [C] We are in a position to correct it. [D] To all intents and purposes, it works. Which sentence contradicts the others?
Answer: D. D
Sentence [D] is contradictory. Sentence [A] says it appears consistent superficially, but [B] reveals it is actually flawed. If the data is flawed, you cannot conclude in [D] that 'to all intents and purposes, it works', as that idiom implies it is effectively functional.
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Q45Passage analysis: [A] The strategy is on the verge of failure. [B] It is on the brink of disaster. [C] The team is in a state of flux. [D] We are on the same page about the risks. Identify the sentence that does not fit the negative context.
Answer: D. D
Sentence [D] describes a positive or constructive state of alignment and agreement ('on the same page'). In contrast, sentences [A], [B], and [C] all use idioms that denote failure, catastrophe, and instability ('state of flux'), making [D] the outlier.
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