English Grammar: Idioms and Usage

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is the best example of the idiomatic usage of "small talk"?

The coworkers chatted about the weather while waiting for the meeting to start. (correct)

The two friends had a deep and meaningful conversation about their lives.

The politician gave a long and detailed speech about his plans for the future.

The professor delivered a lecture on the history of language.

The phrase "too much" is used correctly in which of the following sentences?

The store has too much hours open today.

There is too much time left before the deadline.

He made too much mistakes on the test.

She drank too much coffee and couldn't sleep. (correct)

Which sentence uses the word "enough" in the correct grammatical structure?

He wasn't experienced enough to handle the task. (correct)

The weather is enough warm to go swimming.

I have enough time to get there.

That's enough hot to drink.

In which of the following sentences does "too" express a positive connotation?

Your garden is too beautiful, I love it! (C) Signup and view all the answers

The phrase "too many" is used correctly in which sentence?

There were too many people at the concert. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of an infinitive after "too"?

She's too busy to talk right now. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences uses the word "very" correctly?

The weather was very hot for a walk. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What's the main difference between "too" and "very"?

Too" implies a negative consequence or problem, while "very" simply emphasizes a high degree. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence correctly uses the adjective placement rule?

He bought a very expensive car. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Choose the sentence that correctly combines the two sentences using "too" or "enough":

"The bag is heavy. I can't carry it."

The bag is too heavy to carry. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences correctly demonstrates the difference between "hard" and "hardly"?

She hardly ever eats sweets. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Choose the sentence that correctly uses the adjective form, ending in -ed.

The book was interesting. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence demonstrates the correct placement of the adverb "often"?

She often reads books. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Complete the following sentence using the correct word: "I prefer soft pillows to hard ____."

ones (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of "too much" or "too many"?

There is too much noise in the library. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Choose the correct sentence using the correct placement of "enough":

He is strong enough to lift the box. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of specific noun before general noun?

I need a coffee cup. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Choose the sentence that uses an adverb correctly placed in a sentence:

He wrote the email quickly. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which word emphasizes a high degree of something without implying any negative consequences?

Very (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence uses 'too' correctly to indicate an excessive degree that causes a problem?

It was too late to go to the store, but I still went. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these phrases is an example of a noun modifier?

a morning coffee (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of 'enough' in a phrase?

He's got enough time to finish the work. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence correctly uses 'too much' or 'too many'?

The soup has too much salt. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence exemplifies the correct use of 'too' to highlight an extreme quality?

You're too kind to everyone. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase shows the correct placement of 'a little' with 'too'?

a little too tired (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is TRUE about the words 'too' and 'very'?

'Too' implies a negative consequence, while 'very' simply emphasizes degree. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase illustrates the correct use of 'too much' placed after the verb?

He talks too much. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence represents the correct use of a noun modifier?

a winter coat (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence correctly uses 'enough' to express sufficiency?

She's got enough money to buy a house. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these phrases correctly uses 'too much' or 'too many'?

We had too many problems. (B), She ate too much candy. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which is not a common error in the use of 'very', 'too', 'enough', or 'a little'?

Using 'too' to emphasize extreme positive qualities. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence incorrectly uses 'too' or 'very'?

It's very late, but I'm not tired. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which word is used to emphasize degree without implying a negative consequence?

Very (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence uses 'enough' correctly to indicate sufficiency?

They have enough time to finish the project. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Idioms

"Small talk" refers to casual conversation in social settings to fill silence, build rapport, or engage politely without serious topics.
Subjects often include weather, plans, or current events.

Using "Too," "Too Much," "Too Many," and "Enough"

Too: Signifies excess or undesirability. Can be negative (e.g., "too tired to fly") or emphatic (e.g., "You're too kind!").
Too Much: Used with non-count nouns (e.g., time, money, stress).
Too Many: Used with plural count nouns (e.g., hours, people).
Enough: Indicates sufficiency. Can be used with adjectives/adverbs (e.g., rested enough) or nouns (e.g., enough time). Often followed by infinitives (e.g., "enough money to buy a house").

Key Nuances for Advanced Use

"Too" can also indicate strong positive qualities (e.g., "too generous.")
"Too much" can appear after verbs or before nouns.
Common errors include using "too much" with countable nouns (correct is "too many").

Explanation: Using "Too" vs. "Very"

Very: Emphasizes a high degree without implying a problem.
Too: Indicates excess leading to a problem or impossibility.
A little + too + adjective/adverb: Softens the implication of excess.

Adjective Modifiers vs. Noun Modifiers

Adjective Modifiers: Describe nouns directly (e.g., new machine).
Noun Modifiers: Nouns used as adjectives to describe other nouns (e.g., coffee cup).

Very, Too, Enough

Very: Emphasizes degree, no negative consequence.
Too: Indicates excess, often negative consequence.
Enough: Means sufficiency. Placed after adjectives/adverbs or before nouns.

Too Much vs. Too Many

Too Much: Used with uncountable nouns (e.g., fat, coffee).
Too Many: Used with plural countable nouns (e.g., hours, problems).

Infinitive Structures with "Too" and "Enough"

Infinitives (to + verb) can follow phrases with "too" or "enough".(e.g., "I'm too sleepy to drive.").

Grammar to Writing

Adjectives Are Always Singular

Adjectives don't change form for singular or plural nouns.

Adjectives Ending in -ed

"-ed" adjectives describe feelings or states.

Adjective Placement

Adjectives often go before nouns.
After linking verbs (e.g., is, are, was, were).

Use One After Adjectives

Replacing repeated nouns with "one."

Specific Noun Before General Noun

Specific nouns (e.g., coffee) before general nouns (e.g., cup) are preferred for clarity.

Noun Modifiers Are Singular

Though the main noun may be plural, the modifying noun is often singular.

Adverbs vs. Adjectives

Adverbs (-ly) describe verbs.
Adjectives describe nouns.

Adverb Placement

Avoid splitting verbs and objects with adverbs.

Adverbs Without -ly

These adverbs usually come after the verb phrase.

Too vs. Very

Too = problematic excess.
Very = neutral emphasis.

Too Much/Many vs. Too

Too much/many go with nouns, too goes with adjectives or adverbs.

Enough Placement

Enough is placed after adjectives/adverbs. or before nouns.

Hard vs. Hardly

Hard = with effort.
Hardly = almost not.

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Description

This quiz covers essential English idioms such as 'small talk' and the correct usage of 'too,' 'too much,' 'too many,' and 'enough.' Test your understanding of these nuanced terms and their applications in everyday language. Perfect for advanced learners looking to refine their English skills.