Subject - Verb Agreement Rules & Examples for SSC CGL, CHSL, CPO 2026

Subject-Verb Agreement plays a crucial role for SSC CGL preparation. It is an essential grammar concept that ensures sentences are grammatically accurate and easy to understand. The SSC CGL examination tests English comprehension and language proficiency, where a solid understanding of grammar rules is necessary. Mastering subject-verb agreement helps candidates avoid common 

mistakes and improve their scores in the exam.

Moreover, it improves the overall standard of written communication, which is essential not only for examinations but also in professional environments. A strong command over this topic can greatly enhance a candidate’s performance in both objective and descriptive parts of the examination.

The Subject - Verb Agreement 

The subject and the verb must match in number.

If the subject is one (singular) ➡️ the verb must be singular

He plays cricket every day. 🏏

Singular Subject ➡️ Singular Verb

If the subject is more than one (plural) ➡️ the verb must be plural.

The captain and his team play cricket every day. 🏏

Plural Subject ➡️ Plural Verb

Now, Let's know what you will learn in this article:

• What do we mean by Subject - Verb Agreement?
• Is it necessary to learn all the rules of Subject - Verb Agreement?
• Rules of Subject - Verb Agreement.
• Common Errors in English Grammar you should avoid
• Exercise to beat the competition
• Video (audio & visual aid)

Subject-verb agreement is a grammar rule which states that the subject and the verb in a 
sentence must agree in number. A singular subject requires a singular verb, whereas a plural
 subject requires a plural verb. For instance, in the sentence “The bird flies,” the subject “bird”
 is singular, so the verb “flies” is also singular. On the other hand, in “The birds fly,” the subject 
“birds "is plural; therefore, the verb “fly” is plural as well. 

Proper subject-verb agreement is important because it improves clarity and helps express ideas correctly in every type of writing, whether informal or formal.

Although practicing exercises can strengthen your understanding of subject-verb agreement, having a clear understanding of the rules is equally important to perform well in competitive exams. Knowing the rules helps you apply correct grammar structures in different situations, especially in difficult sentence patterns that exercises may not fully explain. It also enables you to recognize and fix errors more accurately. Therefore, along with regular practice, studying the rules in depth is a more effective way to succeed in exams.

Subject - Verb Agreement Rules:

Master English Grammar!

Subject with Indefinite Pronouns" Each/ Every"

When the subject includes each/ every, use a singular verb.

Each student has a backpack to carry a laptop while going on an educational trip.

Every player is ready to play in the IPL final with full zeal.

Words like anybody, someone, everyone, each, and every take singular verbs.

Indefinite Pronouns (both, many, few, several) take plural verbs:

For example,

Several candidates have applied for this post.

The plural subject (' several candidates) correctly matches the plural verb(have).

Either /Neither

Either and neither take a singular verb.

Either shop is open today.

Now the question is,' When to use this sentence:

It doesn't matter which two shops you choose; for example:

You want to buy 'bread and butter', then you can go to the one or

 the other down the street. 

Neither shop is open today.

Here, it means that both the shops are closed.

Subject with "or/nor": 

When subjects are joined by or/nor, the verb agrees with the nearest subject.

Mahima or her friends are going to the mall.

When subjects are connected by ' or ', the verb agrees with the subjects that is closer

 to it. Here, ' her friends ' is closer to the verb and that is why the verb should be plural.

' are' is the correct usage in this case since ' her friends' is plural.

For example:

Her friends or Mahima is going to the mall.

Here, "Mahima" is closer to the verb so the verb should be singular " is ".

Collective Nouns

Collective nouns usually take a singular verb.

For example:

A group of unicorns is known as a blessing.

Collective nouns take a plural verb when members act separately:

For example:

The members of the jury were divided in their opinions.

Here, ' members' is plural, it needs a plural verb (were) and pronoun (their).

Amounts of money, time, distance, weight, take singular verbs:

Fifty miles is not a long distance now.

Common Mistakes in English Grammar you Should Avoid

 Direct and Clear (Best for study guides)

  Using Plural Verbs with singular subjects:

   Incorrect: "The list of items are on the table."

 Correct: "The list of items is on the table."

Why: The true subject is "list," which is singular. Therefore, it requires the singular 

verb "is" rather than the plural "are."

 Concise and Professional (Best for presentations or summaries)

 Subject-Verb Agreement (Singular Subject + Plural Verb):

   Wrong: "The list of items are on the table."

   Right: "The list of items is on the table."

 1. The "Prepositional Phrase" Trap:

   The Mistake: "The list of items are on the table."

 The Fix: "The list of items is on the table."

 It's easy to look at the word "items" and want to use "are." However, the actual 

subject of the sentence is "list." 

Subject-Verb Agreement Guide

Matching Plural Subjects with Plural Verbs

 Incorrect: "The books on the shelf is dusty."

 Correct: "The books on the shelf are dusty."

Why? 

Because the main subject ("books") is plural, it requires the plural verb

 "are" rather than the singular "is."

 Compound Subjects Linked by "And"

 Incorrect: "My friend and mentor inspires me every day."

 Correct: "My friend and mentor inspire me every day."

 Why?

 When you connect two separate subjects using the word "and," they form a

 compound subject that generally requires a plural verb.

Note: In English grammar, if "my friend and mentor" refers to a single

 person who holds both roles, the original "inspires" would actually be 

correct. However, based strictly on the general rule presented in the text, 

it treats them as two distinct entities requiring a plural verb.

Indefinite Pronouns

Incorrect: “Everyone have their own opinion.”

Correct: “Everyone has their own opinion.”

Explanation: Words like “everyone” are indefinite pronouns and are treated as 

singular subjects. Therefore, they take singular verbs such as “has.”

Subjects Separated from Verbs

Incorrect: “The bouquet of flowers were beautiful.”

Correct: “The bouquet of flowers was beautiful.”

Explanation: The main subject is “bouquet,” which is singular. Hence, the verb 

should also be singular (“was”), even though “flowers” is plural.

 Special Rules of “Either/Or” and “Neither/Nor”

Incorrect: “Neither the manager nor the employees is responsible.”

Correct: “Neither the manager nor the employees are responsible.”

Rule: When two subjects are connected with “either/or” or “neither/nor,” the 

verb follows the subject placed nearest to it.

Keeping these rules in mind will help you avoid common subject-verb agreement 

mistakes and improve the accuracy and clarity of your writing.

Subject-Verb Agreement Exercises

A. Fill in the Blanks

Choose the correct verb from the brackets.

1. The list of items ______ on the table. (is/are)

Ans: is

Explanation: The main subject of the sentence is list (not items) so, 

the verb will be singular) "is".

2. Neither the manager nor the employees ______ present. (was/were)

Ans: were

Explanation: When joining two subjects with .... nor) the verb must agree with

 the subject closest to it. Since "employees" is plural and closer to the verb, so 

you use "were".

3. Each of the participants ______ a prize. (has/have)

Ans: has

Explanation: Although "participants" is plural, yet the main subject is " Each". Here 

" Each" is singular so it must take a singular verb like ' has ' rather than the plural.

4.  ----- the news true? (is/are)

Ans: Is

Explanation: The news functions as a singular, uncountable noun in English, so here 

should be " Is" not " Are".

5. Either the principal or teachers ______present in the meeting. (is/are)

Ans: are

Explanation: When using ' either/or' with a singular verb and a plural subject, the 

verb must agree with the noun that is closest to it. Because ' the teachers' is plural, 

the plural verb ' are ' is used.

6. History ______ my least favorite subject. (is/are)

Ans: is

Explanation: Name of subjects, games, and books take singular verbs.

7. One of the tourist guides______ injured. (was/were)

Ans: was

Explanation: "One of the" takes a plural noun - tourist guides

Here, "was" in the singular verb, which agrees correctly with the 

subject "One"(not the guides)

8. The team ______ playing well. (is/are)

Ans: is

Explanation: Here, the choir is treated as a single, single collective noun.

9. Rice and curry ______ my usual lunch. (is/are)

Ans: is

Explanation: "Rice and curry" is thought of as one combined meal, hence using singular 

verb "is" is correct answer.

10. Neither the director nor the clerks ______ ready for the meeting. (was/were)

Ans: were

Explanation: When using ' neither/nor' the verb must agree with the subject that is closest to it,

here clerks (plural) is closer to the verb than ' director ' (singular) the plural verb 'were' is correct.

B. Spotting the Error

Find the error and write the correct sentence.

1. The kids in the park was making noise.

Ans: were

Explanation: A plural subject (Kids) takes plural verb (were) so, 

the sentence is correct.

2. Each of the candidates have filled the form.

Ans: has

Explanation: When the subject contains each or every, use a singular verb.

3. Neither the Mr. Rao nor his family members is available.

Ans: are

Explanation: When combining subjects with corelative conjunctions like neither...nor the verb must always agree with the noun or pronoun that is closest to it.Here, nearest subject is ' family members' so use ' are'.

4. Raman as well as his brothers ---- very well. (sing/sings)

Ans: sings

Explanation: According to rule, when the subjects are joined by as well as, the agrees with the first subject (Raman). Since ' Raman ' is singular, so the verb must be singular (sings).  

5. One of my cousins have gone to Goa.

Ans: has

Explanation: When using " One of my cousins...", the subject is the singular "one "

that is why you must use "has".

Mastering Subject - Verb Agreement is essential for cracking SSC examinations. 

Regular practice and understanding grammatical rules will help you avoid 

common mistakes and improve accuracy.

List of Synonyms and Antonyms। Synonyms Questions and Answers for Competitive Exams।

Vocabulary Booster: Most Repeated Synonyms for Competitive Exams 

In this article, you will learn the following:

Before discussing the importance of vocabulary, let's know,

 "What are synonyms?

Synonyms are words that have similar or nearly the same meanings.

We can understand it easily through examples:

       Word                       Meaning

• Ponder                    Think

" Pondering how to learn synonyms...... a tough nut to crack. "

• Timid                        Shy
• Combat                    Fight
• Queer                     Strange                         

Here 's how to master synonyms for competitive exams quickly and effectively.

Importance of Vocabulary

Importance of Synonyms in Competitive Exams

• These types of words are frequently asked in
•  one - word substitution & vocabulary section.
• Improves reading comprehension speed.
• Helps in error detection and sentence correction.
• Boosts overall score.
• For better retention:
•  I recommend learning synonyms and antonyms together.

Learn and Revise Synonyms 

Smart Tricks to Learn Synonyms Fast

Knowing synonyms help you understand language better and answer questions faster.

Instead of learning one word, learn 3-4 similar words together.

Most Important Synonyms for Exams

Learn in 2 minutes

Example: 

Capable: Qualified, Skilled, Efficient, Able, Competent 

Voracious: Hungry, Gluttonous, Insatiable

Use Daily Practice

Revise 5 - 10 words daily instead of cramming

Let's Mug Up Our Vocabulary 

Mug Up means to study intensively

Here, (intensively means thoroughly; fully; effectively; exclusively)

In short, we can say learn something quickly before exams. 

Make Sentences

Using words in sentences helps in long - term memory.

Visual Learning

Use charts, flashcards, and images 

Start learning today and make vocabulary your strength!

Common Synonyms for Exams

Word                 Synonyms

Brave                 Courageous

Calm                   Peaceful

Danger                Peril

Ascend                Mount

Shiver                 Tremble

Tepid                   Warm

Fatal                    Deadly

Accurate              Exact

Famous               Well-Known

Quick                  Rapid

Easy                    Simple

Understanding Root Words

Understanding root words makes learning easier.

Example: 

Bio means Life:   Biology, Biography

Geo means Earth: Geology, Geography

Rupt means Break: Erupt, Interrupt

• Preparation Tips
• 
  
• Revise synonyms daily 
• Practice previous year questions
• Use mock tests regularly
• Focus on commonly asked questions

Practice Questions (MCQs)

Important Idioms for SSC Exams, Banking & UPSC 2026। 30 Essential Idioms to Boost Your Exam Performance | figurative vs literal meaning idioms।

 Mastering Idioms for Competitive Exams! 

Have you ever gone through an entire passage, understood each individual word, but still failed to grasp the real message? Many students preparing for competitive English exams experience this problem. Idioms play a major role in such situations because their meanings are not literal. Expressions like “hit the books” or “spill the beans” may sound confusing word by word, yet they are commonly used in reading passages, cloze tests, and spoken English exams. Learning idioms helps students understand the actual context and improve their exam performance.

What you'll learn in this article:

Understand the Importance of Idioms in Competitive Exams

Figurative vs. Literal Expressions 

Learn High - Frequency Idioms (Frequently asked in Exam)

Why use figurative language 

Exercise to do (Practice idioms to beat all exams)

Video (Learn through audio visual aids)

Importance of Idioms in Competitive Exams:

Idioms are necessary component of competitive exams, especially in sections focusing on language proficiency and comprehension. Their importance lies in the fact that Idioms are used in daily life, enhancing and enriching communication by infusing local and cultural flavor. Mastering and use idioms correctly in exams is crucial, as they usually appear in reading comprehension passages. Idioms are more than just words; using them accurately proves an aspirant has truly mastered the language and its cultural context. In this way, a candidate can build a strong understanding of idioms "enabling them " to improve both comprehension and expression.

Understanding Idioms: Literal vs. Figurative 

Understanding the difference between literal and figurative expressions is the key to mastering idioms. While literal language means exactly what it says, idioms rely on a shared cultural meaning that often has nothing to do with the actual words used.

 1. Literal Expression

A literal expression is straightforward. Every word maintains its standard definition. If you translate a literal sentence into another language word-for-word, the meaning usually remains clear.

 

Example: "He is feeling sick."

 Meaning: The person is physically unwell or experiencing symptoms of an illness.

2. Figurative Expression (The Idiom)

A figurative expression uses words in a non-standard way to create a more vivid or impactful image. The meaning is conventional—you have to learn the "hidden" meaning because you cannot guess it just by looking at the individual words.

 Example: "He is under the weather."

 Meaning: He is feeling sick.

 Analysis:  If you took this literally, you would be looking for a person standing 

beneath a rain cloud or a thunderstorm.

 Comparison Table

Feature: Literal Expression vs. Figurative Expression (Idiom) 

Literal Meaning: (real cake)

Idiomatic Meaning: (very easy)

I am having a piece of cake. - Eating dessert

The interview was a piece of cake for him. - very easy (interview) task

Point to remember: The idiom " a piece of cake" is used to describe tasks/situation  

 Not for eating or actions like having, eating.

Translatability: Usually translates well. Often loses all meaning if translated literally. 

Purpose: Its main aim is to deliver information clearly and to add flavor, emphasis, or humor. 

 Examples in Context

 A. "Break a leg" means fracture a bone

 Literal: You are wishing for someone to actually fracture a bone. (This would be very mean!)

Figurative: You are telling a performer "Good luck."

 B. "Spill the beans"

 Literal: You accidentally knocked over a container of legumes.

Figurative: You revealed a secret that was supposed to be kept private. 

C. " Hit the books"

Why Use Figurative Language?

Using idioms makes speech sound more natural and "native." It allows you to convey complex emotions or situations in just a few words. For example, saying someone is "sitting on the fence" is much more descriptive than simply saying they are "undecided," as it creates a visual image of someone unable to choose a side.

Common Idiomatic Expressions 

Effort: 🎯

Idiom:  Burn the midnight oil 🪔

 Meaning: To work late into the night. 

Patience ✌️

Idiom: Hold your horses 

Meaning: To wait or slow down. 

Honesty🤘

 Idiom: Straight from the horse's mouth.

Meaning: From the highest or most reliable source. 

Failure😩

Idiom: Back to the drawing board 

Meaning: To start over after a failed attempt. 

Idiom: Miss the boat 

Meaning: To miss an opportunity

Visual memory lasts longer than text

The "Mental Image" Trick

One of the best ways to distinguish between the two is to try and visualize the sentence:

 1. Literal: "She is pulling the luggage."🛅

 (You see a woman with a suitcase.)

 2. Figurative: "She is pulling your leg." (If you visualize someone literally grabbing a leg, 🦵it looks silly—that is your clue that it is an idiom meaning "teasing you.")

A Quick Challenge 

Look at these two sentences below.

 Can you tell which one is literal and which one is figurative?

 A: "The exam was a walk in the park."🍳

Ans: It is figurative expression; it is not meant to be taken literally - the test did not involve walking in the park. The phrase "a walk in the park "is a metaphor. You did not walk in a park during exam. Here, the comparison is used to convey that the exam was very easy, pleasant, or effortless.

 

 B: "We took a walk in the park after lunch." 🚶🚶‍♀️

Ans: It is a literal expression. It means exactly what the words say: You went for a walk in a park after lunch. There is no hidden, figurative or metaphorical expression. 

Focus on High - Frequency Idioms Frequently Asked in Exams 

Let's focus on high-frequency idioms, as it is a great way to prepare for competitive English exams. These are the phrases that appear most often in "Fill in the Blanks," "Sentence Improvement," and "Error Spotting" sections.

1. Idioms Related to Effort & Success 🚀 

These often describe how someone works or handles a challenge. 📲

Idiom: To hit the nail on the head:

Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.

Idiom: To leave no stone unturned: 

Meaning: To try every possible course of action in order to achieve something.

Idiom: To burn the candle at both ends:

Meaning: To work extremely hard without getting enough rest.

Idiom: To go the extra mile:

Meaning: To make a special effort to achieve something.

2. Idioms Related to Communication

These are very common in comprehension passages and 

direct/indirect speech transformations.

Idiom: To beat around the bush

Meaning: To avoid getting to the point of an issue.

 

Idiom: In a nutshell

Meaning: To summarize something very briefly.

 Idiom: To hear it through the grapevine:

 Meaning: To hear news or rumors from someone else rather than directly.

 Idiom: To give someone the cold shoulder 

 Meaning: To intentionally ignore someone.

3. Logical Visual Comparison

To help distinguish between the literal and figurative meanings of these complex phrases, it is useful to see them side-by-side in a flowchart or mental map.

4. Quick Grammar Tip for Exams

In competitive exams, examiners often "tweak" idioms to create errors. Watch out for these common traps:

The Trap: "He left no stones unturned."

The Correction:  "He left no stone unturned."

 (Idioms are usually fixed phrases; you cannot change "stone" to plural.)

The Trap: "It's a piece of the cake."

The Correction:  "It's a piece of cake." 

(Adding "the" changes the fixed idiomatic structure.)

Mini-Practice Paper

Based on what we've covered, how would you rewrite this literal 

sentence into an idiomatic one?

 Literal: "I am going to study very late tonight for the upcoming exam."🪔

(Hint: Think about "oil" or "candles"!)

Idioms About Books📚

Idiom: Take a leaf out of someone's book

Meaning: To copy the behavior, actions, or ideas of someone.

Idiom: Book worm 📚

Meaning: A person who loves to read books and spends much time in reading.

Idiom: Close the book 📕

Meaning: To finish working on something, often on a subject, and stop talking about it.

Idioms: An open book 📖

Meaning: A person or thing that is to learn about and understand

Idiom: Read someone like a book 

Meaning: To be able to understand someone's thoughts or feelings very easily.

Idioms: By the book 

Meaning: Exactly according to rules or the law 

                   Or

Following the rules or instructions exactly.

Idiom: Judge a book by its cover 

Meaning: To form an opinion about someone or something based only on their outward appearance.

Idiom: Crack a book 

Meaning: Open and read the book

Idiom: Hit the book

Meaning: Study hard

Visual memory lasts longer than text

Idioms related to coffee & Tea ☕🍵

Idiom: Teatime: 🫖

Meaning: A relaxing or chat moment 

Idiom: A storm in a teacup 🍵

Meaning: Exaggerating a small issue 

Idiom: Not my cup of tea 🍵

Meaning: Not something you like 

Idiom: Brew up trouble 

Meaning: Create problems 

Idiom: Spill the tea 🫗

Meaning: Share gossip or secrets 

Idiom: Full of beans 

Meaning: Very energetic 

Idiom: Coffee break☕

Meaning: A short rest from work 

Idiom: Wake up and smell the coffee ☕

Meaning: Realize the truth

Idiom: Cup of joe 

Meaning: A single cup of coffee ☕

For SSC / Bank / other competitive exams (2026), some idioms are asked again and

 again in (previous-year questions). Since you’re preparing vocabulary for exams, 

here are most expected & repeated idioms with meanings and examples. 📚✨

1. Once in a blue moon

Meaning: Very rarely

Sentence: You go to the village to look after your parents once in a blue moon.

2. A blessing in disguise

Meaning: Something that seems bad but is actually good

Sentence: Losing that opportunity was a blessing in disguise for him.

3. Hit the nail on the head

Meaning: To say something exactly right

Sentence: Their response hit the nail on the head.

4. Burn the midnight oil

Meaning: Study or work late at night

Sentence: She usually burns the midnight oil before exams.

5. A piece of cake

Meaning: Very easy

Sentence: This yoga exercise is a piece of cake.

6. Break the ice

Meaning: Start a conversation in a social situation

Sentence: I told a funny short story to break the ice.

7. At the eleventh hour

Meaning: At the last moment

Sentence: The teacher asked to submit 

the project at the eleventh hour.

8. Spill the beans

Meaning: Reveal a secret

Sentence: He requested me not to spill the beans about the surprise party.

9. Under the weather

Meaning: Feeling ill

Sentence: Rama is feeling under the weather today.

10. Cost an arm and a leg

Meaning: Very expensive

Sentence: That laptop costs an arm and a leg.

11. Call it a day

Meaning: Stop working

Sentence: We are fed up; let’s call it a day.

12. Bite the bullet

Meaning: Face a difficult situation bravely

Sentence: At this juncture, he bit the bullet and faced the interview.

13. In hot water

Meaning: In trouble

Sentence: Act boldly when you are in hot water.

14. A storm in a teacup

Meaning: Big fuss over a small matter

Sentence: His statement was just a storm in a teacup.

15. The ball is in your court

Meaning: It is your decision now

Sentence: I’ve already told you the issue; so the ball is in your court.

 Exam Tip (SSC Trick):

Many idioms in exams are related to body parts (hand, eye, head, leg). These appear 

frequently in SSC-CGL, CHSL, and banking exams.

Examples:

Keep an eye on – watch carefully

Give a hand – help someone

Common Mistakes to avoid

• Memorizing without usage
• Ignoring revision
• Not practicing questions
• Confusing literal vs idiomatic meaning 

How Many Idioms Should You Learn for Long - Term Retention

Creating a powerful collection of idioms for competitive exams is not about memorizing a huge number in one sitting. It requires regular practice, proper planning, and repeated revision. If you want to remember idioms well and apply them confidently in reading, writing, and speaking tasks, follow a steady daily routine.

1. Fix an Achievable Daily Goal

Try learning around 5–7 idioms every day. This number is manageable and helps your brain absorb information without feeling overloaded. With continuous practice throughout the week, you can gradually build a strong collection of useful idioms commonly asked in exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, and CBSE English.

2. Practice Idioms in Real Situations

Avoid only learning meanings by heart. Instead, create 2–3 unique sentences with every idiom, preferably connected to everyday situations in places such as Toronto, Vancouver, or Mumbai. This method improves memory connections and helps you remember idioms more effectively during exams.

3. Follow the Spaced Repetition Method

Revise your idioms on Day 1, Day 3, Day 7, and Day 14. You can use flashcards or a basic tracking sheet to monitor your learning. Spaced repetition strengthens long-term memory and improves retention over time.

4. Organize Idioms by Topics or Exam Needs 

Arrange idioms under categories such as studies, achievement, or difficulties. This method reflects the way idioms are commonly used in exams and writing tasks, helping you remember them more quickly during tests.

5. Practice Through Weekly Quizzes

Set aside 20 minutes every week, preferably on Sundays, to test yourself. Try activities like matching idioms with their meanings or completing sentences with suitable idioms. Regular practice improves 

confidence and helps identify weak areas that need more attention.

"Struggling to remember idioms?  This one image can save your marks"

By following this simple and consistent strategy, learning idioms becomes easier, 

more organized, and highly useful for exam preparation.

Focus on: 

• Frequently asked idioms
• Idioms used in previous year papers
• Similar idioms (confusing ones)

Bonus Trick (Topper Strategy)

• Use idioms in daily speaking:
• This builds natural fluency +recall

Don't worry, this chapter is a piece of cake for him.

Radhika was on cloud nine when she passed her SSC examination.

Master the art of idiomatic expressions by using context clues to decode

 meanings and seamlessly weave them into your reading and writing. 

Unlock your academic potential with these powerful study hacks used by top 

students to ace every exam! 

 Discover proven hacks that top students use to master idiomatic expressions 

and elevate their language skills.  Master idioms in just one month before your

 exam with smart, focused strategies like flashcards, contextual reading, and

 daily practice sessions.

Idioms play a vital role in English language tests conducted for competitive 

exams in India, Canada, and many other countries, including SSC, CAT, 

 IELTS, and TOEFL. These phrases, shaped by culture and context, 

can confuse even hardworking students during exams. Learning idioms is 

not only about remembering meanings but also about knowing how to use 

them correctly in different situations. This focused practice set includes

 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) created to reflect actual exam formats

 and improve your ability to recognize, understand, and use common idioms.

 Here is a mini test paper designed for a competitive English exam. It covers 

Sentence Improvement, Idiom Meaning, and Error Spotting.

Section 1: Choose the Correct Meaning

Select the option that best explains the underlined idiom.

 1. The head of the institution decided to call it a day after the meeting ended.

    a) To name the day after a holiday.

    b) To stop working on something.

    c) To start a new project.

    d) To schedule a follow-up.

 2. Raj is a dark horse in the upcoming competitive exams.

    a) Someone who is physically very strong.

    b) A person who likes to work at night.

    c) A candidate who unexpectedly wins or succeeds.

   d) Someone who is dishonest.

Section 2: Error Spotting

Identify the part of the sentence that contains a mistake in the idiom.

 3. Rohan (A) / left no stones unturned (B) / to clear the SSC CGL exam (C) / No error (D).

 4. They have (A) / a bone to pick up with you (B) / regarding the project delay (C) / No error (D).

Section 3: Sentence Improvement

Replace the bracketed part with the correct idiomatic phrase.

 5. Stop [talking about unimportant things] and tell me what actually happened.

   a) beating the bush

   b) beating around the bush

   c) beating about a bush

   d) beating the around bush

 6. I don't see [agreeing with] my roommate on how to furnish the living room.

   a) eye to eye with

   b) face to face with

    c) heart to heart with

    d) ear to ear with

Answer Key & Explanations

  Answer & Explanation (to clarify the answer)

1 Answer: (b) Call it a day means to finish work for the day.

 2 Answer (c) Dark horse refers to a person whose talents or chances of winning are unknown. 

 3 Answer) Error: "stones" should be "stone". Idioms use fixed singular/plural forms. 

4 Answer) Error: It is "a bone to pick", not "pick up". Adding extra words breaks the idiom. 

5 (b) Beating around the bush is the correct standard phrase

6 To see eye to eye means to agree with someone. 

Here are 15 mixed idiom MCQs for SSC exams, with answers 

📘 15 Mixed Idiom MCQs (SSC Level)

Q1. Choose the correct meaning of the idiom “over the moon”.

A. Very sad

B. Extremely happy

C. Very angry

D. Deeply worried

Ans: B

Q2. He was on cloud nine after getting the promotion.

The idiom means:

A. Confused

B. Extremely happy

C. Nervous

D. Proud

Ans: B

Q3. Choose the idiom that means “in trouble”.

A. At sixes and sevens

B. In hot water

C. Over the moon

D. On thin ice

Ans: B

Q4. She is under the weather today.

This means she is:

A. Angry

B. Unhappy

C. Ill

D. Busy

Ans: Ill

Q5. Which idiom means “to reveal a secret”?

A. Spill the beans

B. Break the ice

C. Hit the nail

D. Burn the midnight oil

Ans: A

Q6. Choose the correct sentence.

A. He was over the moon due to his failure.

B. She is in hot water for her honesty.

C. They burned the midnight oil to clear the exam.

D. He is under the weather because he is rich.

Ans:  C

Q7. The idiom “at sixes and sevens” means:

A. Very happy

B. In confusion

C. In danger

D. Very angry

Ans: B

Q8. He hit the nail on the head.

This means he:

A. Made a mistake

B. Spoke inaccurately

C. Said the exact thing

D. Lost control

Ans: C 

Q9. Choose the idiom meaning “to start a conversation”.

A. Break the ice

B. Spill the beans

C. Cut corners

D. Pull someone’s leg

Ans: A

Q10. She burnt the midnight oil to complete her project.

The idiom means:

A. Wasted time

B. Worked late at night

C. Got angry

D. Failed badly

Ans: B

Q11. Choose the idiom meaning “to take a risk”.

A. In hot water

B. On thin ice

C. Over the moon

D. At sea

Ans: B

Q12. He is pulling your leg.

This means he is:

A. Hurting you

B. Teasing you

C. Helping you

D. Scolding you

Ans: B

Q13. Choose the idiom meaning “to do work carelessly”.

A. Cut corners

B. Break the ice

C. Hit the nail

D. Burn the oil

Ans: A

Q14. The idiom “at sea” means:

A. On a ship

B. Confused

C. Happy

D. Busy

Ans: B

Q15. She was down in the dumps after the result.

The idiom means:

A. Extremely happy

B. Excited

C. Very sad

D. Proud

Ans: C