How to pass the U.S. Word Usage Test
Hi. in
this tutorial i will show ou how to pass the odesk U.S. Word Usage Test
Question1:
The word "______________" means to convey an additional, nuanced meaning of a word, whereas the word "______________" specifies the literal meaning of a word or phrase.
a. denote / connote
b. connote / denote
the answer is: a. denote / connote
Question2:
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 ____________.
a. at
b. on
c. off
d. with
e. No preposition is needed
the answer is: c. off
Question3:
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.
a. less / fewer
b. less / less
c. fewer / fewer
d. fewer / less
e. Both b and d may be used.
f. Both a and c may be used.
the answer is: b. less / less
Question4:
Which of the following similar words is more commonly associated with a physical reliance on something?
a. Addiction
b. Dependence
the answer is: a. Addiction
Question5:
The preferred form for directional words in American English is ___________.
a. without an "s," as in toward, afterward, upward, forward, and backward
b. with an "s," as in towards, afterwards, upwards, forwards, and backwards
the answer is: b. with an "s," as in towards, afterwards, upwards, forwards, and backwards
Question6:
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct phrase from the options below.
________________, I have enclosed our sales brochure and product information pamphlets.
a. Per your request
b. As per your request
c. As you requested
d. As per the request you recently made
the answer is: c. As you requested
Question7:
Which of the following words would be most appropriate when referring to a vessel's ability to hold or contain something?
a. Ability
b. Capability
c. Capacity
the answer is: a. Ability
Question8:
Which of the following words refers to a state of immobility?
a. Stationery
b. Stationary
the answer is: b. Stationary
Question9:
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.
a. as
b. for
c. to
d. No preposition is needed.
the answer is: d. No preposition is needed.
Question10:
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
The herd of gazelles successfully ____________ the wild cheetahs.
a. alluded
b. eluded
c. illuded
the answer is: b. eluded
Question11:
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.
a. accord / accordance
b. accordant / accord
c. accordance / accordant
the answer is: c. accordance / accordant
Question12:
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.
a. wrong / wrongful
b. wrongful / wrong
c. The two words are completely interchangeable.
the answer is: b. wrongful / wrong
Question13:
The article "an" is normally used before all of the following words except ________.
a. hour
b. eulogy
c. umbrella
d. X-ray
the answer is: a. hour
Question14:
Which of the following words is used to show uncertainty or a conditional statement?
a. Can
b. Could
c. Will
d. None of the above
the answer is: d. None of the above
Question15:
The word "____________" refers to feeling satisfied with one's life, whereas the word "____________" means to be easygoing and eager to please.
a. complacent / compliant
b. complaisant / complacent
c. compliant / complaisant
d. complacent / complaisant
the answer is: c. compliant / complaisant
Question16:
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.
a. with
b. for
c. to
d. of
e. No preposition is needed.
the answer is: c. to
Question17:
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.
a. with
b. in
c. by
d. of
the answer is: a. with
Question18:
Which of the following statements is CORRECT?
a. The word "continuous" refers to something that occurs constantly, uninterrupted, or without a break, whereas the word "continually" refers to something that is frequently repeated.
b. The word "continually' refers to something that occurs constantly, uninterrupted, or without a break, whereas the word "continuous" refers to something that is frequently repeated.
c. The words "continuous" and "continually" are synonyms and are interchangeable.
d. The word "continually" does not exist in American English usage.
the answer is: b. The word "continually' refers to something that occurs constantly, uninterrupted, or without a break, whereas the word "continuous" refers to something that is frequently repeated.
Question19:
Of the similar words below, the word "________________" is most commonly used to express a formal request.
a. can
b. could
c. may
d. might
the answer is:
Question20:
Which of the following similar words is more commonly associated with secretly working together to plot a misdeed?
a. Conspire(ANS)
b. Connive
the answer is:
Question21:
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.
a. may
b. must
c. might
d. mightn't
Question22:
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 ____________.
a. unreadable / illegible
b. legible / readable
c. illegible / unreadable
the answer is:
Question23:
Select the correct meaning of the adjective "noisome."
a. Making much noise
b. Noxious or offensive
c. Boring
the answer is: b. Noxious or offensive
Question24:
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.
a. Climatic
b. Clichéd
c. Climactic
the answer is: a. Climatic
Question25:
Which of the following words means "to excite, arouse, or offend"?
a. Peak
b. Peek
c. Pique
the answer is: a. Peak
Question26:
From the options below, choose the correct preposition to complete the underlined prepositional idiom in the following sentence.
Josh is completely enamored ______ that puppy!
a. with
b. of
c. at
d. No preposition is needed.
the answer is: d. No preposition is needed.
Question27:
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
a. Illicit / Unlawful / Illegal / Criminal
b. Criminal / Illicit / Unlawful / Illegal
c. Unlawful / Illegal / Illicit / Criminal
d. Unlawful / Criminal / Illicit / Illegal
the answer is: c. Unlawful / Illegal / Illicit / Criminal
Question28:
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.
a. in / as
b. for / in
c. in / for
d. for / on
the answer is: c. in / for
Question29:
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
Martha has a real ______________ for writing ballads and odes.
a. flare
b. flair
c. flayer
the answer is: b. flair
Question30:
Which of the following words is often associated with money?
a. Disperse
b. Disburse
c. Dispense
the answer is: b. Disburse
Question31:
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.
a. repulse / repulsive / repelled
b. rappel / repelled / repulsed
c. repel / repulsive / rappelled
d. rappel / repulsed / repelled
the answer is: a. repulse / repulsive / repelled
Question32:
Which of the following options best defines the word "friendly"?
a. Amiable
b. Amicable
c. Both words mean "friendly," but "amiable" refers to people and "amicable" refers to relationships.
d. Both words mean "friendly," but "amiable" refers to relationships and "amicable" refers to people.
the answer is: d. Both words mean "friendly," but "amiable" refers to relationships and "amicable" refers to people.
Question33:
Which of the following similar words refers to something that is well-known or momentous in history?
a. Historic
b. Historical
the answer is: b. Historical
Question34:
Which of the following similar words means "to inflict a punishment or penalty in return for an unjust act"?
a. Avenge
b. Revenge
c. The words are synonyms and can be used interchangeably.
the answer is: b. Revenge
Question35:
Which of the following words means "once every two years"?
a. Annual
b. Biennial
c. Semiannual
the answer is: a. Annual
Question36:
Which of the following words is a verb meaning "to change"?
a. Alter
b. Alder
c. Altar
d. Antler
the answer is: a. Alter
Question37:
Which of the following similar words is used to describe one's negative feelings and antipathy for something?
a. Adverse
b. Averse
the answer is: b. Averse
Question38:
Which of the following words means "to inform or notify"?
a. Appraise
b. Appease
c. Apprise
d. Appall
the answer is: b. Appease
Question39:
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.
a. loose / lose
b. loose / loose
c. lose / loose
d. lose / lose
the answer is: c. lose / loose
Question40:
Which of the following similar words generally has a negative connotation?
a. Childlike
b. Childhood
c. Childish
the answer is: b. Childhood
Question1:
The word "______________" means to convey an additional, nuanced meaning of a word, whereas the word "______________" specifies the literal meaning of a word or phrase.
a. denote / connote
b. connote / denote
the answer is: a. denote / connote
Question2:
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 ____________.
a. at
b. on
c. off
d. with
e. No preposition is needed
the answer is: c. off
Question3:
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.
a. less / fewer
b. less / less
c. fewer / fewer
d. fewer / less
e. Both b and d may be used.
f. Both a and c may be used.
the answer is: b. less / less
Question4:
Which of the following similar words is more commonly associated with a physical reliance on something?
a. Addiction
b. Dependence
the answer is: a. Addiction
Question5:
The preferred form for directional words in American English is ___________.
a. without an "s," as in toward, afterward, upward, forward, and backward
b. with an "s," as in towards, afterwards, upwards, forwards, and backwards
the answer is: b. with an "s," as in towards, afterwards, upwards, forwards, and backwards
Question6:
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct phrase from the options below.
________________, I have enclosed our sales brochure and product information pamphlets.
a. Per your request
b. As per your request
c. As you requested
d. As per the request you recently made
the answer is: c. As you requested
Question7:
Which of the following words would be most appropriate when referring to a vessel's ability to hold or contain something?
a. Ability
b. Capability
c. Capacity
the answer is: a. Ability
Question8:
Which of the following words refers to a state of immobility?
a. Stationery
b. Stationary
the answer is: b. Stationary
Question9:
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.
a. as
b. for
c. to
d. No preposition is needed.
the answer is: d. No preposition is needed.
Question10:
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
The herd of gazelles successfully ____________ the wild cheetahs.
a. alluded
b. eluded
c. illuded
the answer is: b. eluded
Question11:
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.
a. accord / accordance
b. accordant / accord
c. accordance / accordant
the answer is: c. accordance / accordant
Question12:
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.
a. wrong / wrongful
b. wrongful / wrong
c. The two words are completely interchangeable.
the answer is: b. wrongful / wrong
Question13:
The article "an" is normally used before all of the following words except ________.
a. hour
b. eulogy
c. umbrella
d. X-ray
the answer is: a. hour
Question14:
Which of the following words is used to show uncertainty or a conditional statement?
a. Can
b. Could
c. Will
d. None of the above
the answer is: d. None of the above
Question15:
The word "____________" refers to feeling satisfied with one's life, whereas the word "____________" means to be easygoing and eager to please.
a. complacent / compliant
b. complaisant / complacent
c. compliant / complaisant
d. complacent / complaisant
the answer is: c. compliant / complaisant
Question16:
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.
a. with
b. for
c. to
d. of
e. No preposition is needed.
the answer is: c. to
Question17:
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.
a. with
b. in
c. by
d. of
the answer is: a. with
Question18:
Which of the following statements is CORRECT?
a. The word "continuous" refers to something that occurs constantly, uninterrupted, or without a break, whereas the word "continually" refers to something that is frequently repeated.
b. The word "continually' refers to something that occurs constantly, uninterrupted, or without a break, whereas the word "continuous" refers to something that is frequently repeated.
c. The words "continuous" and "continually" are synonyms and are interchangeable.
d. The word "continually" does not exist in American English usage.
the answer is: b. The word "continually' refers to something that occurs constantly, uninterrupted, or without a break, whereas the word "continuous" refers to something that is frequently repeated.
Question19:
Of the similar words below, the word "________________" is most commonly used to express a formal request.
a. can
b. could
c. may
d. might
the answer is:
Question20:
Which of the following similar words is more commonly associated with secretly working together to plot a misdeed?
a. Conspire(ANS)
b. Connive
the answer is:
Question21:
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.
a. may
b. must
c. might
d. mightn't
Question22:
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 ____________.
a. unreadable / illegible
b. legible / readable
c. illegible / unreadable
the answer is:
Question23:
Select the correct meaning of the adjective "noisome."
a. Making much noise
b. Noxious or offensive
c. Boring
the answer is: b. Noxious or offensive
Question24:
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.
a. Climatic
b. Clichéd
c. Climactic
the answer is: a. Climatic
Question25:
Which of the following words means "to excite, arouse, or offend"?
a. Peak
b. Peek
c. Pique
the answer is: a. Peak
Question26:
From the options below, choose the correct preposition to complete the underlined prepositional idiom in the following sentence.
Josh is completely enamored ______ that puppy!
a. with
b. of
c. at
d. No preposition is needed.
the answer is: d. No preposition is needed.
Question27:
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
a. Illicit / Unlawful / Illegal / Criminal
b. Criminal / Illicit / Unlawful / Illegal
c. Unlawful / Illegal / Illicit / Criminal
d. Unlawful / Criminal / Illicit / Illegal
the answer is: c. Unlawful / Illegal / Illicit / Criminal
Question28:
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.
a. in / as
b. for / in
c. in / for
d. for / on
the answer is: c. in / for
Question29:
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
Martha has a real ______________ for writing ballads and odes.
a. flare
b. flair
c. flayer
the answer is: b. flair
Question30:
Which of the following words is often associated with money?
a. Disperse
b. Disburse
c. Dispense
the answer is: b. Disburse
Question31:
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.
a. repulse / repulsive / repelled
b. rappel / repelled / repulsed
c. repel / repulsive / rappelled
d. rappel / repulsed / repelled
the answer is: a. repulse / repulsive / repelled
Question32:
Which of the following options best defines the word "friendly"?
a. Amiable
b. Amicable
c. Both words mean "friendly," but "amiable" refers to people and "amicable" refers to relationships.
d. Both words mean "friendly," but "amiable" refers to relationships and "amicable" refers to people.
the answer is: d. Both words mean "friendly," but "amiable" refers to relationships and "amicable" refers to people.
Question33:
Which of the following similar words refers to something that is well-known or momentous in history?
a. Historic
b. Historical
the answer is: b. Historical
Question34:
Which of the following similar words means "to inflict a punishment or penalty in return for an unjust act"?
a. Avenge
b. Revenge
c. The words are synonyms and can be used interchangeably.
the answer is: b. Revenge
Question35:
Which of the following words means "once every two years"?
a. Annual
b. Biennial
c. Semiannual
the answer is: a. Annual
Question36:
Which of the following words is a verb meaning "to change"?
a. Alter
b. Alder
c. Altar
d. Antler
the answer is: a. Alter
Question37:
Which of the following similar words is used to describe one's negative feelings and antipathy for something?
a. Adverse
b. Averse
the answer is: b. Averse
Question38:
Which of the following words means "to inform or notify"?
a. Appraise
b. Appease
c. Apprise
d. Appall
the answer is: b. Appease
Question39:
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.
a. loose / lose
b. loose / loose
c. lose / loose
d. lose / lose
the answer is: c. lose / loose
Question40:
Which of the following similar words generally has a negative connotation?
a. Childlike
b. Childhood
c. Childish
the answer is: b. Childhood
Question:
Which of the following words is a verb meaning "to draw
out or bring forth"?
a. Illicit
b. Elide
c. Elicit
d. Illume
Question:
Which of the following statements regarding the use of
"that" and "which" is CORRECT?
a. "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.
b. "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.
Question:
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.
a. induced
b. deduced
c. adduced
Question:
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word
from the options below.
The ________of the despot's war crimes shook the world.
a. enormousness
b. enormity
c. The words are synonyms and are
completely interchangeable.(ANS)
Question:
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.
a. wary(ANS)
b. leery
c. weary
d. Either a or b may be used
e. Either b or c may be used
Question:
Which of the following similar words is used to refer to a
perennial disease of a region or population?
a. Pandemic
b. Endemic
c. Epidemic(ANS)
Question:
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.
a. with
b. than(ANS)
c. for
d. to
e. No preposition is needed.
Question:
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.
a. everyday / every day
b. every day / everyday
c. everyday / everyday
d. every day / every day
Question:
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct
phrase from the options below.
Winning the lottery would mean the world to ____________.
a. my wife and I
b. my wife and me
c. my wife and myself
d. Either a or b may be used.
e. Either b or c may be used.
Question:
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.
a. upon
b. in
c. over
d. on
e. No preposition is needed.
Question:
Which of the following similar words expresses a stronger
sense of duty?
a. Ought
b. Should(ANS)
Question:
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.
a. at / from
b. from / from
c. for / at(ANS)
d. from / at
Question:
Which of the following sentences uses the word
"impact" and/or its variations correctly?
a. The recession has severely impacted
our company's bottom line.
b. The recession has had a severe impact
on our company's bottom line.
c. Our company's bottom line has
suffered a severe impaction due to the recession.
d. Both a and b are correct.
e. Both b and c are correct.
Question:
Which of the following similar words is the better choice
when referring to something that promotes health?
a. Healthy
b. Healthful
Question:
Which of the following words is most commonly used as a verb
meaning "to produce a change in"?
a. Affect
b. Effect
Question:
Which of the following words means "separate,
unconnected, or distinct"?
a. Discreet
b. Secrete
c. Discrete(ANS)
Question:
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.
a. on
b. about
c. upon
d. over
e. No preposition is needed.
Question:
Of the following similar words, which connotes feelings of
resentment toward another, particularly in reference to personal relationships?
a. Envy(ANS)
b. Jealousy
uestion:
Select the correct meaning of the verb "condole."
a. To comfort
b. To express sympathy to(ANS)
c. To portion out
Question:
Which of the following similar words is more associated with
influencing beliefs or understandings?
a. Persuade(ANS)
b. Convince
Question:
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.
a. deadly / deathly
b. deathly / deadly
c. deadly / deafly
Question:
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word
from the options below.
Pauline will _____________ arrive late so she can make a
grand entrance.
a. doubtless
b. doubtlessly
c. undoubted
Question:
Of the following similar words, which implies a movement?
a. On
b. On to
c. Onto
uestion:
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.
a. of
b. over
c. in
d. No preposition is needed.
Question:
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.
a. confident
b. confider
c. confidant
d. confessor
Question:
Which of the following words means "difficult to
comprehend"?
a. Abstruse(ANS)
b. Obdurate
c. Obtuse
d. Absurd
Question:
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.
a. restive / restful
b. restful / restive
c. restful / restless
d. restless / restive
Question:
Which of the following similar words refers to something
that is lush and grows abundantly?
a. Luxuriant(ANS)
b. Luxurious
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