Master Your Vocabulary: 15 Idioms for Competitive Exams(2026) | MCQs for Competitive exams

Idioms for Competitive Exams 

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom:

Bank upon:

1. Mistrust
2. Doubt
3. Depend on
4. To save money

Ans: Depend on

Bring home:

1. To buy a new home
2. To explain
3. To give information
4. To continue

Ans: to explain

Square meal:

1. Breakfast
2. Lunch
3. Dinner
4. Full meal

Ans: Full meal

Wear a long face:

1. To look gloomy
2. Light up
3. Cheerful face
4. Surprized

Ans: To look gloomy

In vogue:

1. In the current fashions
2. Out of style
3. Old fashioned
4. Olden

Ans: In the current fashion

Once for all:  

1. Temporarily
2. Gradually
3. Finally
4. Provisionally

Ans: Finally

Mother's wit:

1. Common sense
2. Academic qualification
3. Mother's knowledge
4. Native wit

Ans: Common sense

At large:

1. As a whole
2. Extensively
3. Generally
4. Confined

Ans: Confined

Assume airs:

1. Humble
2. Down-to-earth
3. Pretend superiority
4. Reject

Ans: Pretend superiority

At the stone's throw:

1. Far away
2. A very short distance
3. Remote
4. An easy task

Ans: A very short distance

The principal is not ready to listen to any arguments beside the mark.

Meaning of the idiom, "beside the mark".

1. Suggestion 
2. On the mark
3. Pertinent
4. Irrelevant

Ans: Irrelevant

Nowadays, corporal punishment is considered a criminal activity.

Meaning of the idiom, "corporal punishment".

1. Praise
2. Reward
3. Encouragement
4. Bodily punishment

Ans: Bodily punishment

He is so cocksure that he will certainly ace the upcoming entrance exam.

Meaning of the idiom cocksure.

1. Modest
2. Humble
3. Diffident
4. Arrogant

Ans: Arrogant

His father strictly said to him," I cannot allow you to play ducks and drakes 

with your inheritance.

Meaning of the idiom," Ducks and drakes".

1. To store
2. Frugal
3. To waste money
4. Hoard

Ans: To waste money

Tips To Learn Idioms:

Powerful Image to Remember Idioms in 10 Seconds.

Master The Challenge: Basic English Grammar - Articles | MCQ Questions with Answers for Practice | English Articles (A, An, The) for Competitive Exams

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Tips for SSC Success

3 Second Golden Memory Trick:

Sound decides the articles:

Consonant Sound: 

We use ' A' before a consonant - She is writing with a pen; He sang a melodious song.

' An ' is used before a consonant starts with a vowel sound - He is an excellent orator.

We should always listen to the sound: use 'a' for consonant sounds and 'an' for vowel sounds,because the sound of the word matters more than how it is spelled.

For instance:

• an heir (silent h)

The word heir is pronounced similarly to 'air' so we use here 'an' though the first letter 'H' is consonant.

an M.A (silent m)

Here M.A is pronounced as 'em-a' which starts with a vowel sound, so we use 'an'.

an X-Ray (silent x):

In this example also, X-Ray is pronounced as ex-ray that is why we use 'an' instead of 'a'.

When we talk of a person or a thing that is indefinite or that same person or thing is

 mentioned for the first time, we use 'indefinite article', but when we talk about the person or thing already referred to, we use ' definite article'.

Once upon a time, there lived an old man. The old man was very kind. One day, he met a little boy. The little boy was very poor.  

Here I have used 'an old man' because 'old' begins with a vowel sound.

'The old man': 'The' is used because the man has already been introduced by me in the previous sentence.so I have used here definite article.

'a little boy': 'a' is used by me as here I have introduced a new character for the first time.

'The little boy': 'The' is used here because the boy has already been introduced in the previous sentence,

Indefinite Articles are not used before the names of meals, sports, subjects and language.

• He is interested in playing a volleyball. (Incorrect)
• He is interested in playing volleyball. (Correct)

• She usually skips a breakfast. (Incorrect)
• She usually skips breakfast. (Correct)

Here "breakfast' is used as an uncountable noun. 

Definite Article "the" is used before a noun if it is followed by a relative pronoun

• She is the candidate who has won the election.
• He is the boy who has won the lucky draw.

Apart from it, definite article is used before the names of rivers, oceans, seas, canals, etc.

• Names of the rivers: The Sutlej, The Ganga
• Names of the seas: The Caspian Sea, The Arabian Sea

' The' is also used before superlative degree.

• She is the most talkative girl of our class.

Definite article "The" is used before some proper nouns, the names of sacred books, 

newspapers, trains, well-known buildings and before unique, singular celestial bodies - the earth, the sun etc.

• The bible is a holy book.
• My father prefers to read "The Hindu" newspaper.
• I want to book an online ticket for the Vande Bharat Express.
• The moon is a natural satellite.

20 SSC PYQ Questions with Answers on Articles:

  

Grammar-English Aptitude MCQ Questions and Answers Modal Verbs Exercises with Answers

Modal Verbs in English Grammar 

  Modal Verbs vs Auxiliary Verbs

Modal verbs and auxiliary verbs are both types of helping verbs used to modify the meaning of the main verb in a sentence, but they serve different functions. Modal verbs such as 'can', 'could', 'may', 'might', 'must', 'shall', 'will', and 'would' express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. They do not change the base form of the main verb.

 For instance: She can solve this issue easily.If we analysis this sentence:

  She (subject)                                              
 Modal Verb (can)                                            
 Main Verb (solve)                               
 Object (this issue)      
  Adverb (easily)

Here, solve is used just after the modal verb: 'can solve'. "solve" is the base verb, it will remain the same.

Verb can be divided into two parts.

Let's understand through flowchart.

Helping verb is also divided into two types:

1. Modals
2. Primary Auxiliary Verbs

Here, we are talking about Modals, so, it is necessary on our part to 

know about modals before doing the exercises.

Error Detection:

They may not be able to attend the meeting.

1. They may
2. not able to
3. attend the
4. meeting.

Ans: (2) not able to

They may not be able to attend the meeting.

Explanation: Here "able" is an adjective, not a verb. So, if we want to

express ability in this context, it must be accompanied by the linking

 verb " be" to complete the phrase "be able to".

He might played the guitar in the concert yesterday.

1. He 
2. might played
3. the guitar in the
4. concert yesterday.

Ans: (2) might played

He might have played the guitar in the concert yesterday.

Explanation: Modal verbs like would, may, could, should,

must be followed by the main verb, especially when referring

to a possibility in the past, the structure must be 

Modal + have + Past participle.

The thief dare not to speak in front of the police

1. The thief
2. dare not to 
3. speak in front: 
4. of the police.

Ans:(2) dare not to

The thief dare not speak in front of the police.

Explanation: "Dare" is a semi- modal verb in negative sentences

when followed directly by "not' (dare not). As a modal verb it must

 be followed by "bare infinitive", it means the base form of the verb

 is used without 'to'.

You need not to reply to this email.

1. You need 
2. not to reply
3. to this
4. email.

Ans: (2) not to reply

You need not reply to this email.

Explanation: When ' need not' is used as a modal auxiliary verb, it must 

be followed by a bare infinitive or we can say the base form of the verb

 without 'to'.

The child can plays with a ball in the park. 

1. The child
2. can plays with
3. a ball in 
4. the park.

Ans: (2) can plays with

The child can play with a ball in the park.

Explanation: After modal auxiliary verbs like will, should, can, we use 

the first (base) form of the verb, not the third person singular form (plays).

Rajan must go not to the exhibition at this time.

1. Rajan must
2. go not to the
3. exhibition 
4. at this time.

Ans: (2) go not to the 

Rajan must not go to the exhibition at this time.

Explanation: When we use modal verbs like must, should, the negative word

(must be followed) by the modal verb, not the main verb. So, it should be

 ' must not go'.

Fill in the blanks:

Choose the correct option:

He .............. be at home; the lights are off.

1. will
2. can
3. can't
4. must

Ans: (3) can't

Rule: "Can't" is used to express impossibility or disbelief.

..... you assist me with my project.

1.  Might
2. Should
3. Could
4. Must

Ans:(3) Could

Rule: "Could" is used to make polite requests. 

She ...... complete the homework by tomorrow.

1. might
2. will
3. would
4. should

Ans: (2) will

Rule: "Will" is used to express future certainty or determination.

We ....... visit the Lotus Temple this weekend if we have time.

1. will
2. should
3. might
4. must

Ans: (3) might

Rule: "Might" is used to express less possibility.

You .... leave now if you don't want to be late.

1. can
2. could
3. must
4. might

Ans: (3) must

Rule: "Must" is used to express necessity or obligation.

She ...... swim well when she was a child.

1. might
2. must
3. could
4. can

Ans: (3) could

Rule: "could" is the past tense form of "can" and is used to express

past ability.

...... I borrow your calculator for a moment?

1. Can
2. Will
3. Should
4. Must

Ans: (1) Can

Rule: "Can" is used to ask for permission.

He .... be tired after completing such a long project.

1. would
2. should 
3. must 
4. can

Ans: (3) must

Rule: "Must is used to make logical conclusions.

 

 You .... carry an umbrella; it looks like rain.

1. should
2. can
3. will
4. might

Ans: (1) should

Rule: "Should" we used to give advice or suggestion.  

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Synonyms- Verbal Ability Questions and Answers | List of Synonyms। Strategy to learn synonyms? Learning Effectively

izitoabc2blogspot.com                  Synonyms for Competitive Exams

                  Synonyms 

•    Meaning of Hamper:
•   (a) promote      (b) prevent    

•    Ans: (b) prevent

•     Meaning of Complicated:
•    (a) significant    (b) intricate 

•      Ans: (b) intricate

•     Meaning of Boisterous:
•     (a) usual    (b) noisy

•      Ans: (b) noisy

•      Meaning of Potent:
•      (a) strong (b) loud

•       Ans: (a) strong

•       Meaning of Organic:
•             (a) uneven  (b) pure

•      Ans: (b) pure

•      Meaning of Genrosity:
•       (a)  ample   (b) altruism

      Ans: (b) altruism

•       Meaning of Capture:

      

    

•     Meaning of Morbid:
•     (a) aweful   (b) hint

•      Ans: (a) aweful   

•      Meaning of Assuage:
•     (a)  mitigate  (b) worsen   

•       Ans: (a) mitigate

•      Meaning of Trifle:
•     (a) bit    (b) real

•      Ans: (a) bit

•      Meaning of Venerable:
•     (a) immense    (b)esteemed  

•       Ans: (b) esteemed

•       Meaning of Perilous:
•       (a) risky    (b) safe

•       Ans: (a) risky  

•      Meaning of Tranquil:
•      (a) frail     (b) calm

•       Ans: (b) calm

•        Meaning of Opulent:
•        (a) needy      (b) well-off

•        Ans: (b) well-off  

•        Meaning of Retrieved:
•        (a) gained    (b) loss

•           Ans: (a) gained

•         Meaning of Malicious:
•         (a) terrific  (b) mean

•         Ans: (b) mean

           

•     Meaning of Miniature:
•      (a) little        (b) huge

•       Ans: (a) little

•      Meaning of Courteous:
•       (a)  polite    (b) rude

•        Ans: (a) polite

•      Meaning of Astonishing:
•      (a) warm     (b) superb

•      Answer: (b) superb

•      Meaning of Gigantic:
•      (a) spacious   (b) fair

•      Ans: (a) spacious

• Now the question is-
• How to learn Synonyms for Competitive Exams:

•           Don't learn one word by itself.
•           Learn it with similar words and know the small difference.
•           In other words, let's clarify it in the following image:

                              

•          learn word family of " small".

•             If we learn the word only 'Trivial' that means small (in importance)
• 
  
•           In exam, the question    Choose the correct sentence           (a)  The information sent by me is diminutive.   

            

                                      

•                  (b)  The information sent by me is trivial.

•                   Correct Sentence (answer):
•                    (b) The information sent by me is trivial.

•                  Tips for exam:

•            Size (person / object) - we use diminutive.

•           Importance (idea / information / issue) - we use trivial.

•          Learn synonym and antonym pairs together, side by side make micro sentences.

•          Learn 10 words daily.

•          Practice with MCQs

Here is a list of 30 synonyms which 

might be useful for competitive exams :

Free Online ENGLISH_GRAMMAR_FOR_COMPETITIVE_EXAMS Practice & Preparation Tests

Free Online Mock Test 

Select the most appropriate one-word substitution for the giving group of words:

A learned or scholarly person:

1. Ignorant
2. Uncivilized
3. Uncultured
4. Erudite

Ans:(4) Erudite

Antonyms of Erudite: Uneducated, Illiterate, Uninformed, Uncivilized, Ignorant, Uncultured

Synonyms of Erudite: Well - read, Wise, Intellectual, Well-versed

Sentence: The leader delivered a scholarly speech as if he were an erudite man.

Identify the segment in the sentence which contains grammatical error:

Each of the student have backpack.

1. Each of 
2. the student
3. have backpack
4. No error

Ans: (3) have backpack

Explanation:

The subject 'Each' is singular, so, it requires a singular verb. Here, 'has' is the correct singular form of the verb, not 'have'.'Each' is an Indefinite pronoun that we always use singular. Even though it refers to multiple students, thus the singular verb 'has' is used.

The sentence describes backpacks as individual items that each student possesses, so, we use the article 'a' before ' backpack' to indicate a singular noun.

Choose the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: ' Hit the nail on the head'.

Ans: To be exactly right 

Sudama led luxurious life in the twinkling of an eye.

Meaning of the phrase, "In the twinkling of an eye".

1. In no time
2. Plentiful
3. Tough time
4. Gradually

Ans:(1) In no time

What is the meaning of,"At draggers drawn"?

1. To be bitterly hostile towards each other
2. To be very brave in a difficult situation
3. To be working together on a project
4. To be ready for a tough competition

Ans: To be bitterly hostile towards each other

Select the correctly spelled word to fill in the blank:

You have not...... a parcel till now.

1. recive
2. received 
3. recived 
4. recivced

Ans: (2) received 

Select the most appropriate option:

If he takes a taxi, he would catch the flight.

1. will
2. would have
3. will have
4. will have

Ans:(1) will

If he takes a taxi, he will catch the flight.

Explanation: The sentence is a first conditional, which is used to express a real
possible situation in the future. 
It follows the structure: If + simple present, will + base verb
In the 'If' clause, we use the simple present tense, that is why, 'takes' is used here.
In the main clause, Will + base verb (will catch) catch is the first (base) form of the verb.
Select the most appropriate homophone to complete the sentence:

She is ...... at four languages.

1. adopt
2. adept
3. adapt

Ans: adept

• Adept means proficient (With adept, we use' at preposition'.
• If we  use 'proficient, we use 'in preposition'.

• Adopt means to take another person's child legally.
• Adapt means to change accordingly

Select the correct direct speech for the following sentence:

The teacher ordered the student to do as he/she told him/her.

1. The teacher tells the student, "Do as I told you".
2. The teacher said to the student, "Do as she/he told you".
3. The teacher said to the student, "Do as I tell you".
4. The teacher said to the student, "Did as I tell you".

Ans: (3) The teacher said to the student, "Do as I tell you".

Choose the most appropriate antonym for the word, "Validate":

Other antonyms of Validate:

• Disapprove 
• Reject
• Contradict
• Refute

Synonyms of Validate:

• Verify
• Approve
• Support
• Justify

Select the correct collective noun for the group:

A ...... of frog eggs is known as frogspawn.

1. Group
2. Herd
3. Bunch
4. Cluster

Ans: Cluster

A cluster of frog eggs is known as frogspawn.

Identify the part of speech for the underlined word:

Practice the questions given in the mock test.

1. Verb
2. Noun
3. Adjective

 Ans: Verb

Explanation: Here, Practice functions as an imperative verb.