Is Your Knowledge of Common Phrases Up to SAT Standards?

Becky

5 Min Quiz

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About This Quiz

Did you take the SAT? How well did you do? If you did not take the SAT, do you believe that you would have done well if you had taken it? Let's find out how well you would have done on the common phrases questions portion of the exam.

The SAT incorporates what are called idioms into the exam. But, in SAT speak, idioms are not what you might think. Most people think of idioms as common expressions such as, "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth." However, for the purpose of the SATs, idioms are phrases that are comprised of a noun or an adjective followed by a preposition. But, don't worry. Even if you don't know what a noun, adjective or preposition are, many SAT phrases are pretty much common sense. For instance, do you know if the phrase "A high SAT score is consistent with good grades" is correct? If you're like some people, you might accidentally think that the correct phrase is "A high SAT score is consistent to good grades," but you'd be wrong. The correct phrase is actually "A high SAT score is consistent with good grades."

So, if you think you can get a good grade on this quiz, let's get started!

Absent _____ the debate has been any mention of the president's crime.

from

to
there

in

The use of the improper word might be acceptable ___ your peers, but not me.

in

the
to

under

They are accustomed ____ a lot of noise.

in

with
of

to

Few are acquainted ____ rural history.

with

to
in

for

Doris was adept ___ her job.

in

to
at

with

Scientists believe the brain ______ immortal.

to be

as
in

the

Many did not believe him capable ___ such good grades.

in

of
there

the

The detective was unwilling to collaborate _____ the FBI on the case.

to

in
are

with

Scientists conclude ____ fossils are great.

when

if
or

that

A high SAT score is consistent _____ good grades.

to

in
the

with

She was not conscious ____ her errors.

of

with
in

the

Contrary ______ what most expect, college is not free.

to

with
of

the

The events were depicted ___ the truth.

of

be
as

to

Poetry is different ____ mere rhyming.

than

from
of

to

Amanda emerged ___ the winner.

of

to
as

the

She was encouraged ___ pursue a college degree.

in

of
to

the

Amino acids are essential ___ our well being.

to

for
the

in

She was fascinated ___ all the colors.

with

at
to

by

She is inclined ___ ask questions.

on

to
of

the

She managed ___ isolate her coworkers.

in

of
the

to

Chad had somehow been mistaken ____ the assailant.

as

in
to

for

The building was modeled ______ the Greek pantheon.

after

around
of

to

The kangaroo is native ___ Australia.

to

of
the

in

Coffee originated ___ what is today southern Peru.

of

to
in

here

Many perceived ___ mathematical geniuses actually owe their success to hard work.

as

of
to

in

Children predisposed ___ learning are more likely to get good grades.

of

to
the

in

Forgoing college may be preferable ___ student loan debt.

over

of
in

to

Those without security clearance are prohibited _____ entering the building.

from

to
be

of

King is regarded ___ one of the greatest writers of all time.

as

of
in

the

Her responsibility ___ her children prevented her from making bad choices.

of

in
to

be

Sensitive ___ the demands of the union, the manager offered the workers a raise.

to

over
of

in

The government was suspicious ___ the spy.

of

about
to

in

The boss was tolerant ___ few who tried to question his authority.

to

in
be

of

The landlord will try ___ fix the drain after the storm.

to

and
of

in

Neither the school ____ his parents know where Sam is.

nor

or
be

is

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How much do you know about dinosaurs? What is an octane rating? And how do you use a proper noun? Lucky for you, HowStuffWorks Play is here to help. Our award-winning website offers reliable, easy-to-understand explanations about how the world works. From fun quizzes that bring joy to your day, to compelling photography and fascinating lists, HowStuffWorks Play offers something for everyone. Sometimes we explain how stuff works, other times, we ask you, but we’re always exploring in the name of fun! Because learning is fun, so stick with us!

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