IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS

TEST 1: Complete the following sentences with one appropriate word.

Example: He turned out the light and went to sleep.
1. She _________ out of milk so she went to the shop to get some more.
2. You should write on the answer sheet in pencil so that you can _______ out any mistakes you make with an
eraser.
3. By the time the fire-engine got to his house, Jack had already managed to _________ the fire out.
4. Could you ring up the station and _________ out when the next train to Venice leaves?
5. He behaved so badly and was so lazy that in the end he was _________ out of school.
TEST 2: Put in the correct preposition(s) or adverb(s).
1. The soldiers fell _________ and marched off.
2. The mystery of his sudden disappearance was never cleared _________.
3. He didnt dismiss the man; he let him _________ with a warning.
4. I hope the weather will clear _________ soon. I want to go out.
5. He let the rest of the team _________ by not turning up for the match.
6. Deaf people often feel very cut _________ from others by their disability.
7. When she got fatter her clothes were too tight and she had to let them all _________.
8. If the word-processor breaks down, well have to fall _________ our old typewriter.
9. The survivors of the plane crash were able to hold _________ till help came.
10. Could you hand _________ the photographs so that everyone can see them?
11. Youll need somewhere to keep your books. Ill clear _________ this cupboard for you.
TEST 3:Direction: Complete the sentences with the appropriate phrasal verb in its correct form.
catch someone out
come across something
look out for something
work something out
fill something in
mix something up
cut something out
stick to something
take up something
work something off
work out
keep up something
make something up
turn something off
deal with something
get about
look after someone
put something across
talk someone into something go about something
1. If you want to lose weight, _______________ potatoes, bread and sweet things for a week.
2. The oral examination was difficult. The examiner tried to _________ (me) by asking some tricky questions.
3. My brother has _______________ karate. He trains three times a week.
4. Here are the visa application forms. You have to ______________ (them) and return them to the consulate.
5. Grandmothers over eighty, but she still likes to _______________ . Shes going to Paris next week.
6. Ive joined a health and fitness club. I go there even day to _______________ for an hour.
7. I dont believe the story Bob told us. Im sure he _______________ (it).
8. Whos going to _______________ the dog next week when we go to Glasgow?
9. If you dont want to lend Jeff money, just say no. Dont let him _______________ (you) (it),
10. We dont know whos staying where. The secretary has _______________ the hotel bookings.
11. If you see this sign in a shop window, you can pay by credit card. So remember, just ___________ the sign.
12. The iron Ive forgotten to _______________ (it). I must go back home at once.
13. If youve made a decision, _______________ (it). Dont change your mind again.
14. If you jog every day, youll soon _______________ your surplus kilos.
15. Do you know what this word means? I havent _______________ (it) in our English books before.
16. + Have you got the answer to number seven in the maths exercise? + No. I havent __________ (it) yet.
17. I havent seen Michael for over twenty years, but we have _______________ our friendship by letter.
18. We would like to buy a holiday flat in Spain, but we dont know how to _______________ (it).
19. George has seine very good ideas, but he sometimes has difficulty in _______________ (them) to others.
20. Im sorry about the mixup with tour order, Sir. Ill _______________ (it) at once.
TEST 4:Direction: Complete the sentences with the appropriate phrasal verb in its correct form.
bring someone round
call on someone
drop something off
go over something
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pick someone up
finish something off
speed up
get up

put someone up
cut in
urn off
lie in

clear something out

sort something out
hold someone / something up
pull out
end up
make off
slip out
set off

1. + Where did the blue van go? + It _______________ to the right at the traffic lights.
2. The old lads fainted, but the nurse was soon able to _______________ (her).
3. + What are all these old books and photographs doing on the floor? + They were all in the attic weve
been _______________(it).
4. Why dont you _______________ Aunt Man when youre in Liverpool? She would be delighted to see you.
5. We almost had an accident on the motorway. A motor-cyclist _______________ in front of us so I had to
brake suddenly.
6. I dont need to hook a hotel room in Manchester. Joan has offered to _______________ (me).
7. I really must _______________ these old newspapers. I want to keep some and throw away the rest.
8. Im glad youre coming to the party with me. Ill _______________ (you) at se4en oclock. Be ready!
9. I dont understand how to do this mathematics homework. Would you _____________ (it) with me, please?
10. Ive still got some hooks of yours. If youre at home this evening, Ill _______________ (them) on my way
from the office.
11. Im sorry Im late. I was just leaving home when the telephone rang, so the call _______________ (me).
12. I go to bed late, so I dont usually _______________ before eight oclock.
13. If Jim doesnt drive his sports-car more carefully, hell _______________ in hospital.
14. I had to leave the meeting half way trough. I managed to _______________ without disturbing anyone.
15. If you want to he in London by lunch-time, youll have to _______________ from here vent early.
16. Its Sunday tomorrow. I shall _______________ until ten oclock!
17. Ill help you with the washing-up as soon as Ive _______________ this letter.
18. When the van driver realized that the police were following him, he started to _______________.
19. The little boy took an apple from the farmers tree, then he _______________ as fast as he could.
20. Theres no traffic coming at the moment, so its safe to _______________.
TEST 5:Direction: Complete the sentences with the appropriate phrasal verb in its correct form.
brush up on something
check in
go off something
put up
stop over
get over something get something over
get round someone
get through something
pass something on
see through someone
turn on someone
bring something in
put something up
shut something down
break in
bring something up
come up with something
look on
nod off
1. Have you ever _______________ at a really luxurious hotel?
2. At first Jane refused to lend me her car, hut I managed to _______________ (her).
3. Ill phone you from the hotel as soon as Ive _______________
4. We ought to discuss the matter as soon as possible. Ill _______________ (it) at the meeting tomorrow.
5. Come and help me to earn the boxes! Dont just stand there _______________
6. Be quiet, David. You really shouldnt _______________ when someones speaking. Its impolite.
7. Ive got a message for Peter from Linda. Could you _______________ when you see him this afternoon.
8. Why did you suddenly stop eating meat? What made you _______________ (it)?
9. If you could go to an English-speaking country to _______ your English, which country would you choose?
10. Saw is disappointed that she didnt get the job at the research laboratory but shell _______________ (it).
11. Marjory lied to me. She thinks that I dont know what shes planning. But I do. I can _____________ (her).
12. Why did they _______________ the factory in king Street? There are hundreds of people out of work now,
13. Governments should _______________ international laws against terrorism.
14. When we fly to Texas, were going to _______________ in Atlanta to visit some friends.
15. I wish the examination was tomorrow! Im nervous, so I shall be glad to _______________ (it).
16. Grandfather must be tired. Hes _______________ in his chair.
17. Ive got a lot of work to do. I hope I can _______________ (it) before the weekend.
18. I knew that Mr. Brown would be annoyed when I told him about my mistake, but I didnt expect him to
_______________ (me) like that!
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19. We havent got much time. Well have to _______________ a solution to the problem soon.
20. Theyre _______________ some new shops in North Street.
Test 6: Direction: Complete the sentences with the appropriate phrasal verb in its correct form.
put something off
do without something
put up with something / someone
look something up
do with something
get on with someone
cut down on something
run out of something
find out something
give up something drop off
get off
get on
take off
wake up
grow up
bring someone up
go into something
settle down
take after someone
1. Did you _______________ what time the library open?
2. The plane from Dallas _______________ two hours late, so I missed my connecting flight from Frankfurt
to London.
3. If you have anything important to do, do it straightaway. Dont _______________ (it).
4. Im afraid Ive _______________ sugar. Well have to drink our coffee without.
5. Kathy says that she would like to _______________ nursing. I think she would make a very good nurse.
6. I _______________ in the country, but Ive spent most of my life living in cities.
7. Jane plays the piano beautifully. She _______________ her father who used to he a concert pianist.
8. Jeff is over forty and still a bachelor. I dont think he will ever _______________
9. Im trying to lose weight by _______________ bread and sweet things.
10. How do you _______________ Mrs. Brooks? Is she as unfriendly as people say?
11. Im hot and tired. I could _______________ a cold shower.
12. The bus is coming now. If you dont know where to _______________, ask the bus driver. Hell tell you.
13. I cant _______________ the hammering from the flat above much longer. Its giving me a headache.
14. Jims parents were killed in an air crash when he was very young. An aunt _______________ (him).
15. I missed the seven oclock news on the radio this morning. I _______________ too late.
16. I dont know what this word means, but Ive got a Spanish dictionary here, so Ill _______________ (it).
17. I watched a film on television last night, but I cant remember how it ended. I must have _______________
before the end.
18. I use my pocket calculator every day. I couldnt _______________ (it).
19. Here comes a bus. Before you _______________, ask the driver if he stops near the library.
20. Tom used to he a professional football player, hut he had to _______________ (it) because of a knee injury.
TEST 7:Direction: Fill in the blank with the correct preposition or adverb:
1. The smoke curled (1) ________ (2) __________ the chimneys and melted (3) __________ the morning air.
2. Are you brave and honest enough to say right (4) ______ his face what you are saying (5) ______ his back?
3. Before they hire anyone they should check (6) __________ (7) __________ his background.
4. (8) __________ our very eyes he produced a puppy
(9) __________ the hat.
5. He was far (10) _______ satisfIed (11) _____ the way things had turned out. He sat lost (12) _____ thought.
6. She brushed (13) ______ our advice and left school. We took it (14) _______ granted that she was unhappy.
7. Many soldiers are (15) __________ attendance (16) __________ him.
8. The baby calmed (17) __________ as soon as he was back (18) __________ her mothers lap.
9. Shall I make the cheque (19) __________ (20) __________ you?
10. She accused her husband of setting the children ____________ her.
TEST 8:Direction: Fill in the blank with the correct preposition or adverb:
1. Yesterday the children went ______ a walk and didnt get back ______ 10 p.m. Their mother was furious
______ them ______coming ______ so late.
2. If passports were done ______ ______ , travel would be much simple.
3. She fainted but they brought her _________ by throwing cold water on here face.
4. The factory will have to close down if production is not stepped _____
5. Everyone drew _______ in alarm when smoke began to pour out of the parcel.
6. Contact lenses may feel uncomfortable at first but this feeling soon wears __________
TEST 9:Direction: Supply a correct preposition into the given space.
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1. Do you know of a cure _______________ baldness?

2. Dont sit _______________ for me. I shall probably be back very late.
3. Something went wrong _______________ my car yesterday.
4. Her parents dont approve _______________ her.
5. Lets push _______________ and try to reach the coast by tonight.
6. Put _______________ the cigarette, please. I dont like the smell _______________ your tobacco.
7. _______________ the whole, I agree with you.
8. Milk and orange juice are good _______________ your health.
9. The thief made _______ ________ a valuable necklace.
10. Please, think it _______________ and you find it easy to find the solutions to the problems.
TEST 10:Direction: Supply a correct preposition into the given space.
1. He lost his job ______ no fault of his own.
2. Her bright red hair made her stand ________ from the others.
3. There should be some news ________ the hour.
4. Stop wasting time ! Get to my office ________ the double.
5. I have already told her that I wont go to Spain, but shes still trying to talk me _______
6. Before they hire anyone they should check ________ ________ his background.
7. You must account _______ the manager for the money you used.
8. I met him at the party and he asked _______ you.
9. I applied for a part-time job at the supermarket. Theyre going to take me ________
10. He had taken over an old company verging _______ liquidation.
TEST 11:Direction: Supply a correct preposition into the given space.
1. That song takes me _______________ 30 years.
2. Workmen arrived to take _______________ the scaffolding.
3. He was homeless, so we took him _______________.
4. The plane took _______________ an hour late.
5. She was taken _______________ as a trainee.
6. They took _______________ two enemy bombers.
7. The fine will be taken _______________ _______________ your wages.
8. It has been suggested that mammals took ____________ ____________ dinosaurs 65 million years ago.
9. The director took us _______________ the play scene _______________ scene.
10. The police have taken _______________ a summons _______________ the driver of the car.

Key of Test 7Direction: Fill in the blank with the correct preposition or adverb:
1. The smoke curled (1) _____up_____ (2) ___over_______ the chimneys and melted (3) ___in_______ the
morning air.
2. Are you brave and honest enough to say right (4) ___in_______ his face what you are saying (5)
____behind______ his back?
3. Before they hire anyone they should check (6) ___up_______ (7) ___on_______ his background.
4. (8) ____before______ our very eyes he produced a puppy (9) ____from______ the hat.
5. He was far (10) ____from______ satisfied (11) _____with____ the way things had turned out. He sat lost
(12) ___in_______ thought.
6. She brushed (13) ____aside______ our advice and left school. We took it (14) ____for______ granted that
she was unhappy.
7. Many soldiers are (15) _____in_____ attendance (16) ____on______ him.
8. The baby calmed (17) _____down_____ as soon as he was back (18) ____in______ her mothers lap.
9. Shall I make the cheque (19) _____out_____ (20) ____to______ you?
10. She accused her husband of setting the children ____against_______ her.
TEST 8:Direction: Fill in the blank with the correct preposition or adverb:
1. Yesterday.the childen went ___FOR__ a walk and didnt get back __TILL_/ UNTIL___ 10 p.m. Their
mother was furious __WITH____ them __FOR____coming __IN____ so late.
2. If passports were done __AWAY WITH ____, travel would be much simple.
3. She fainted but they brought her ____ROUND (TO)_____ by throwing cold water on here face.
4. The factory will have to close down if production is not stepped ___UP__
5. Everyone drew __BACK_____ in alarm when smoke began to pour out of the parcel.
6. Contact lenses may feel uncomfortable at first but this feeling soon wears ____OFF____
TEST 9:Direction: Supply a correct preposition into the given space.
1. Do you know of a cure _______for________ baldness?
2. Dont sit _______up________ for me. I shall probably be back very late.
3. Something went wrong _________with______ my car yesterday.
4. Her parents dont approve __________of_____ her.
5. Lets push _______off________ and try to reach the coast by tonight.
6. Put _______out________ the cigarette, please. I dont like the smell _________of______ your tobacco.
7. _______on________ the whole, I agree with you.
8. Milk and orange juice are good _____for__________ your health.
9. The thief made ___off_____ __with_____ a valuable necklace.
10. Please, think it _____over__________ and you find it easy to find the solutions to the problems.
TEST 10:Direction: Supply a correct preposition into the given space.
1. He lost his job __through____ no fault of his own.
2. Her bright red hair made her stand ____out____ from the others.
3. There should be some news __within_____ the hour.
4. Stop wasting time ! Get to my office ____ at / on_______ the double.
5. I have already told her that I wont go to Spain, but shes still trying to talk me __round___
6. Before they hire anyone they should check ___up____ _on___ his background.
7. You must account ___to___ the manager for the money you used.
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8. I met him at the party and he asked ___after____ you.

9. I applied for a part-time job at the supermarket. Theyre going to take me ___on_____
10. He had taken over an old company verging __on_____ liquidation.