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Commonly Misused Expressions Trivia Quiz

In regards to formal writing, are these sentences correct? Please note, the correct answers will be the ones that are most accepted in formal writing.

A multiple-choice quiz by kevinl75. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
kevinl75

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
89,522

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
5710

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. I have less marbles now than before.

Yes

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Question 2 of 10

2. These facts will affect my data.

Yes

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Question 4 of 10

4. He made an illusion to "War and Peace" in his speech.

Yes

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Question 5 of 10

5. Frank was averse to the idea.

Yes

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Question 6 of 10

6. The baneful object foretold certain doom.

Yes

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Question 7 of 10

7. One should be his own keeper.

Yes

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Question 8 of 10

8. Salt is made up of sodium and chlorine. It is therefore a heterogeneous compound.

Yes

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Question 9 of 10

9. Please try and rest.

Yes

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Question 10 of 10

10. When a person goes to the zoo, he or she often sees gorillas.

Yes

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. I have less marbles now than before.

Answer: No

The word less is misused. Less refers to quantity, not to numbers. The sentence should read as follows: I have fewer marbles now than before.

2. These facts will affect my data.

Answer: Yes

This is correct. Some may think the answer is effect, but effect is the noun that is associated with the verb affect. For example: My actions will affect you OR My actions will have effects on you. Effect can also be used as a verb. For example: We hope to effect these changes immediately.

3. Leave it be!

Answer: No

The sentence should read as follows: Let it be!

4. He made an illusion to "War and Peace" in his speech.

Answer: No

Allusion and illusion are commonly interchanged. Allusion means a reference to something, while illusion means something that is not really there. Allusion should replace illusion in the sentence.

5. Frank was averse to the idea.

Answer: Yes

This sentence is correct. Averse and adverse are often used interchangably, but averse means opposed to, and adverse means unfavorable. For example: I am averse to adverse conditions.

6. The baneful object foretold certain doom.

Answer: No

The correct word to use in this sentence is baleful. Baleful refers to something foreshadowing evil, while baneful refers to something that is, in fact, dangerous. The sentence should read as follows: The baleful object foretold certain doom.

7. One should be his own keeper.

Answer: No

When one is used in this context, it cannot be followed by his or her. The sentence should read as follows: One should be one's own keeper.

8. Salt is made up of sodium and chlorine. It is therefore a heterogeneous compound.

Answer: Yes

Some often confuse heterogeneous and homogeneous. The prefix hetero- means "different", and the prefix homo- means "the same."

9. Please try and rest.

Answer: No

In this context, the infinitive of a verb must come after try. The sentence should read as follows: Please try to rest.

10. When a person goes to the zoo, he or she often sees gorillas.

Answer: Yes

He or she is an accurate description of a person whose gender has not been defined. Traditionally, the word "they" in place of he or she would not be acceptable, but that issue has been the subject of recent discussion, and the rule is now contested.

Source: Author kevinl75

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor ozzz2002 before going online.
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