U.S. Word Usage Test

1. Which of the following similar words is the better choice when referring to something that promotes health?

Answers:

• Healthy

• Healthful

2. Which of the following similar words refers to a strong criticism?

Answers:

• Censor

• Censure

3. 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?

Answers:

• Distinguishable

• Distinguished

• Distinctive

4. 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 at the conservatory.

Answers:

• of

• over

• in

• No preposition is needed.

5. Which of the following words is used to show uncertainty or a conditional statement?

Answers:

• Can

• Could

• Will

• None of the above

6. 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.

Answers:

• with

• in

• by

• of

7. 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 late or who doesn't abide _____ his rules.

Answers:

• with / by

• No preposition needed / by

• by / with

• by / No preposition needed

8. Which of the following similar words is more commonly associated with secretly working together to plot a misdeed?

Answers:

• Conspire

• Connive

9. Which of the following similar words is more commonly associated with a physical reliance on something?

Answers:

• Addiction

• Dependence

10. Which of the following similar words is more associated with influencing beliefs or understandings?

Answers:

• Persuade

• Convince

11. From the options below, choose the correct preposition to complete the underlined prepositional idiom in the following sentence.

Josh is completely enamored ______ that puppy!

Answers:

• to

• of

• at

• No preposition is needed.

12. Which of the following similar words is used to refer to a perennial disease of a region or population?

Answers:

• Pandemic

• Endemic

• Epidemic

13. 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 she promises not to infringe _____ the house rules ever again.

Answers:

• on

• about

• upon

• over

• No preposition is needed.

14. Which of the following words is a verb meaning "to draw out or bring forth"?

Answers:

• Illicit

• Elide

• Elicit

• Illume

15. Which of the following similar words expresses a stronger sense of duty?

Answers:

• Ought

• Should

16. Which of the following similar words refers to something that is lush and grows abundantly?

Answers:

• Luxuriant

• Luxurious

17. Which of the following words is most commonly used as a verb meaning "to produce a change in"?

Answers:

• Affect

• Effect

18. 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 ____________.

Answers:

• at

• on

• off

• with

• No preposition is needed

19. Which of the following similar words generally has a negative connotation?

Answers:

• Childlike

• Childhood

• Childish

20. Which of the following statements regarding the use of "that" and "which" is CORRECT?

Answers:

• "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.

• "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.

21. Which of the following similar words is used to describe one's negative feelings and antipathy for something?

Answers:

• Adverse

• Averse

22. 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.

Answers:

• as

• for

• to

• No preposition is needed.

23. Which of the following words is often associated with money?

Answers:

• Disperse

• Disburse

• Dispense

24. 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 cold or shivering _____ the thought of walking home alone through the cemetery.

Answers:

• at / from

• from / from

• for / at

• from / at

25. 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 care of personal matters.

Answers:

• on

• in

• over

• No preposition is needed.

26. Which of the following similar words refers to something that is well-known or momentous in history?

Answers:

• Historic

• Historical

27. 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.

Answers:

• with

• for

• to

• of

• No preposition is needed.

28. Which of the following statements is CORRECT?

Answers:

• 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.

• 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.

• The words "continuous" and "continual" are synonyms and are interchangeable.

• The word "continual" does not exist in American English usage.

29. 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 in town.

Answers:

• with

• than

• for

• to

• No preposition is needed.

30. 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 constantly, but none of them seems to realize how silly it is to argue _____ whose grass is greener.

Answers:

• about / over

• over / at

• with / about

• against / about

31. Which of the following words refers to a state of immobility?

Answers:

• Stationery

• Stationary

32. The word "______________" means to convey an additional, nuanced meaning of a word, whereas the word "______________" specifies the literal meaning of a word or phrase.

Answers:

• denote / connote

• connote / denote

33. Select the correct meaning of the verb "condole."

Answers:

• To comfort

• To express sympathy to

• To portion out

34. 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 financial advice if I were you.

Answers:

• wary

• leery

• weary

• Either a or b may be used

• Either b or c may be used

35. Of the following similar words, which connotes feelings of resentment toward another person, particularly in reference to personal relationships?

Answers:

• Envy

• Jealousy

36. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.

Pauline will _____________ arrive late so she can make a grand entrance.

Answers:

• doubtless

• doubtlessly

• undoubted

37. The article "an" is normally used before all of the following words except ________.

Answers:

• hour

• eulogy

• umbrella

• X-ray

38. Select the correct meaning of the adjective "noisome."

Answers:

• Making much noise

• Noxious or offensive

• Boring

39. Which of the following words means "once every two years"?

Answers:

• Annual

• Biennial

• Semiannual

40. 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.

Answers:

• repulse / repulsive / repelled

• rappel / repelled / repulsed

• repel / repulsive / rappelled

• rappel / repulsed / repelled

41. Which of the following words means "unconcerned, bored, not interested"?

Answers:

• Disinterested

• Uninterested

• The words are synonyms and are completely interchangeable.

42. 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.

Answers:

• wrong / wrongful

• wrongful / wrong

• The two words are completely interchangeable.

43. 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.

Answers:

• may

• must

• might

• mightn't

44. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct phrase from the options below.

________________, I have enclosed our sales brochure and product information pamphlets.

Answers:

• Per your request

• As per your request

• As you requested

• As per the request you recently made

45. Which of the following words would be most appropriate when referring to a vessel's ability to hold or contain something?

Answers:

• Ability

• Capability

• Capacity

46. 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.

Answers:

• restive / restful

• restful / restive

• restful / restless

• restless / restive

47. 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 occasions.

Answers:

• everyday / every day

• every day / everyday

• everyday / everyday

• every day / every day

48. 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.

Answers:

• carat / karat

• karat / caret

• carrot / karat

• caret / carat

49. Which of the following words means "to excite, arouse, or offend"?

Answers:

• Peak

• Peek

• Pique

50. 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.

Answers:

• confident

• confider

• confidant

• confessor

51. 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 to please.

Answers:

• complacent / compliant

• complaisant / complacent

• compliant / complaisant

• complacent / complaisant

52. Which of the following sentences uses the word "impact" and/or its variations correctly?

Answers:

• The recession has severely impacted our company's bottom line.

• The recession has had a severe impact on our company's bottom line.

• Our company's bottom line has suffered a severe impaction due to the recession.

• Both a and b are correct.

• Both b and c are correct.

53. Which of the following words means "separate, unconnected, or distinct"?

Answers:

• Discreet

• Secrete

• Discrete

54. 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.

Answers:

• Climatic

• Clichéd

• Climactic

55. 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

Answers:

• Illicit / Unlawful / Illegal / Criminal

• Criminal / Illicit / Unlawful / Illegal

• Unlawful / Illegal / Illicit / Criminal

• Unlawful / Criminal / Illicit / Illegal

56. 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 deserving honor, credit, or esteem

iii)Creditable    C)believable; worthy of being believed

Answers:

• iC, iiB, iiiA

• iB, iiC, iiiA

• iC, iiA, iiiB

57. 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 differs _____ our usual course.

Answers:

• with / from

• from / over

• from / about

• about / from

58. 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.

Answers:

• loose / lose

• loose / loose

• lose / loose

• lose / lose

59. Which of the following similar words expresses a sense of tediousness?

Answers:

• Repetitive

• Repetitious

60. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.

The herd of gazelles successfully ____________ the wild cheetahs.

Answers:

• alluded

• eluded

• illuded

61. Of the following similar words, which implies a movement?

Answers:

• On

• On to

• Onto

62. 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 ___________ silence.

Answers:

• deadly / deathly

• deathly / deadly

• deadly / deafly

63. 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 the thief escaped ___________ the chaos and confusion.

3)Victor is the most intelligent ___________ the five friends.

Answers:

• Between / among / amid

• Among / amid / between

• Amid / between / among

• Between / amid / among

64. 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.

Answers:

• less / fewer

• less / less

• fewer / fewer

• fewer / less

• Both b and d may be used.

• Both a and c may be used.

65. Which of the following options best defines the word "friendly"?

Answers:

• Amiable

• Amicable

• Both words mean "friendly," but "amiable" refers to people and "amicable" refers to relationships.

• Both words mean "friendly," but "amiable" refers to relationships and "amicable" refers to people.

66. Which of the following words means "to inform or notify"?

Answers:

• Appraise

• Appease

• Apprise

• Appall

67. 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.

Answers:

• in / as

• for / in

• in / for

• for / on

68. 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.

Answers:

• induced

• deduced

• adduced

69. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.

Martha has a real ______________ for writing ballads and odes.

Answers:

• flare

• flair

• flayer

70. When referring to two distinct things, which of the following words means "the second of the two"?

Answers:

• Former

• Later

• Latter

• Penultimate

71. The word "____________" refers to feeling satisfied with one's life, whereas the word "____________" means to be easygoing and eager to please.

Answers:

• complacent / compliant

• complaisant / complacent

• compliant / complaisant

• complacent / complaisant

72. Which of the following words means "difficult to comprehend"?

Answers:

• Abstruse

• Obdurate

• Obtuse

• Absurd

73. Of the similar words below, the word "________________" is most commonly used to express a formal request.

Answers:

• can

• could

• may

• might

74. 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.

Answers:

• accord / accordance

• accordant / accord

• accordance / accordant

75. 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 ____________.

Answers:

• unreadable / illegible

• legible / readable

• illegible / unreadable

76. Which of the following similar prefixes generally means "half"?

Answers:

• Bi

• Semi

77. 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.

Answers:

• confident

• confider

• confidant

• confessor

78. The preferred form for directional words in American English is ___________.

Answers:

• without an "s," as in toward, afterward, upward, forward, and backward

• with an "s," as in towards, afterwards, upwards, forwards, and backwards