Correct Usage of Word MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Correct Usage of Word - Download Free PDF
Last updated on Jun 20, 2025
Latest Correct Usage of Word MCQ Objective Questions
Correct Usage of Word Question 1:
Read the sentence below. Each labelled part (A–E) includes a singular/plural pair. Identify the incorrect pair.
The linguist compared the (A) corpus and corpora, evaluated the (B) index and indices, listed the (C) matrix and matrixes, cited the (D) locus and loci, and documented the (E) appendix and appendices.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Correct Usage of Word Question 1 Detailed Solution
- The word "matrix" is a Latin-derived noun.
- The standard plural form of "matrix" in formal and technical contexts is "matrices", not "matrixes."
- While "matrixes" may be seen in informal usage or certain technical writing, "matrices" is grammatically correct and expected in academic and linguistic contexts.
- Thus, the incorrect singular/plural pair is found in part C of the sentence.
- A: "corpus and corpora" – Correct singular/plural pair.
- B: "index and indices" – Correct plural form, especially in scientific and academic contexts.
- C: "matrix and matrixes" – Incorrect; should be "matrices."
- D: "locus and loci" – Correct singular/plural pair.
- E: "appendix and appendices" – Correct singular/plural pair.
Correct Usage of Word Question 2:
Read the sentence below. Each labelled part (A–E) includes a singular/plural pair. Identify the incorrect pair.
During the biology lecture, the professor described the (A) larva and larvae, (B) vertebra and vertebrae, (C) bacteria and bacterium, (D) formula and formulas, and (E) antenna and antenni.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Correct Usage of Word Question 2 Detailed Solution
- The singular form "antenna" has two correct plural forms depending on context: "antennas" (for radio/technology) and "antennae" (for biology/zoology).
- The word "antenni" is not a correct plural form and is grammatically incorrect in either context.
- In a biology lecture, the correct plural form should be "antennae."
- Thus, the incorrect singular/plural pair is found in part E of the sentence.
- A: "larva and larvae" – Correct singular/plural pair.
- B: "vertebra and vertebrae" – Correct singular/plural pair.
- C: "bacteria and bacterium" – Correct pair, though note "bacterium" is singular and "bacteria" is plural.
- D: "formula and formulas" – Correct; "formulas" is acceptable in general usage, especially in non-mathematical contexts.
- E: "antenna and antenni" – Incorrect; the plural should be "antennae" in a biological context.
Correct Usage of Word Question 3:
Read the sentence below. Each labelled part (A–E) includes a singular/plural pair. Identify the incorrect pair.
The (A) hypothesis and hypotheses, (B) cactus and cacti, (C) stimulus and stimuluses, (D) radius and radii, and (E) alumnus and alumni were all covered in the quiz.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Correct Usage of Word Question 3 Detailed Solution
- The word "stimulus" is a Latin-derived singular noun.
- The correct plural form is "stimuli", not "stimuluses".
- Using "stimuluses" is grammatically incorrect and reflects a misunderstanding of Latin pluralization.
- Thus, the incorrect singular/plural pair is found in part C of the sentence.
- A: "hypothesis and hypotheses" – Correct singular/plural pair.
- B: "cactus and cacti" – Correct singular/plural pair.
- C: "stimulus and stimuluses" – Incorrect; should be "stimuli."
- D: "radius and radii" – Correct singular/plural pair.
- E: "alumnus and alumni" – Correct singular/plural pair (specifically masculine forms).
Correct Usage of Word Question 4:
Read the sentence below. Each labelled part (A–E) includes a singular/plural pair. Identify the incorrect pair.
He studied the (A) appendix and appendices, examined the (B) fungus and fungi, reviewed the (C) analysis and analysises, compared the (D) nucleus and nuclei, and noted the (E) syllabus and syllabi.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Correct Usage of Word Question 4 Detailed Solution
- The word "analysis" is a singular noun derived from Greek.
- The correct plural of "analysis" is "analyses", not "analysises".
- "Analysises" is a common misspelling and grammatically incorrect.
- Thus, the incorrect singular/plural pair appears in part C of the sentence.
- A: "appendix and appendices" – Correct singular/plural pair.
- B: "fungus and fungi" – Correct singular/plural pair.
- C: "analysis and analysises" – Incorrect; should be "analyses."
- D: "nucleus and nuclei" – Correct singular/plural pair.
- E: "syllabus and syllabi" – Correct singular/plural pair.
Correct Usage of Word Question 5:
Read the sentence below. Each labelled part (A–E) includes a singular/plural pair. Identify the incorrect pair.
The (A) criterion and criteria, the (B) phenomenon and phenomena, the (C) datum and data, the (D) medium and medias, and the (E) thesis and theses were all discussed during the seminar.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Correct Usage of Word Question 5 Detailed Solution
- The word "medium" is singular, and its correct plural form is "media", not "medias".
- This is a common irregular plural form derived from Latin, where "media" serves as the plural of "medium."
- Using "medias" is grammatically incorrect in this context.
- Thus, the incorrect singular/plural pair is found in part D of the sentence.
- A: "criterion and criteria" – Correct singular/plural pair.
- B: "phenomenon and phenomena" – Correct singular/plural pair.
- C: "datum and data" – Correct singular/plural pair.
- E: "thesis and theses" – Correct singular/plural pair.
- D: "medium and medias" – Incorrect; the correct plural is "media."
Top Correct Usage of Word MCQ Objective Questions
B. He made some allusion to the years they lived apart.
C. The video game is designed to give the allusion that you are in control of an airplane.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Correct Usage of Word Question 6 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is option 2), i.e., Both A and B
Key Points
The meaning of 'Allusion' is ' the act of making an indirect reference to something'. It is a noun.
Its synonyms are – ‘reference to, citation of, implication, insinuation, etc ‘
- In sentence A, it has been used correctly as ‘allusions in the novel’ means references in the novel that properly fits the context of the sentence.
- In sentence B, it has been used correctly as ‘ allusion to the years’ means reference to the years they lived apart, which makes sense in the context of the sentence.
- In sentence C, the ‘allusion that you are in control of an airplane’ is erroneous as the meaning that is conveyed by the sentence is that the video games create a simulation that gives a false impression of the real world. So, the correct word here should be ‘illusion’ which means ‘a deceptive appearance or impression or an instance or misinterpreted perception of a sensory experience’
Additional Information
- Literary – concerning the writing, study, or content of literature, especially of the kind valued for quality of form
- Echoes – the repetition in the structure and content of one speaker's utterance by another.
- Prose - written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.
Hence, both A and B best express the meaning of the word.
Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentences(s) that best express(es) the meaning of the word.
Wind
A. That noise you can hear is the tape winding back.
B. The blow to my stomach knocked the wind out of me.
C. The sails flapped in the wind.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Correct Usage of Word Question 7 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is 'All of the above'.
Key Points
- Let's understand the different ways in which the word 'wind' can be used:
- A current of air moving approximately horizontally, especially one strong enough to be felt.
- Example: There isn't enough wind to fly a kite.
- To make it difficult or temporarily impossible for someone to breathe, usually by hitting them in the stomach.
- To turn or cause something to turn.
- Example: Wind up your watch every day.
- A current of air moving approximately horizontally, especially one strong enough to be felt.
- By understanding the different meanings of the word 'wind' we can get that the usage of the word in all the given statements is correct.
- Hence, option 5 is the correct answer.
Given below is a word, followed by three sentences which consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) which best express(es) the meaning of the word. Choose option 5 ‘None of the above’ if the word is not suitable in any of the sentences.
AMIABLE
A. I've only met Jane once but she seems amiable enough.
B. An open amiable is better than a hollow friend.
C. They divorced in a pleasant and amiable manner.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Correct Usage of Word Question 8 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is 'Both A and C'.
Key Points
- The meaning of the word 'Amiable' is 'having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner'. It is an adjective.
- Sentence A has correctly used the given word. Here, the person says that he met Jane only once but she was friendly.
- In sentence B, the word 'amiable' is incorrectly used. The sentence compares someone to a hollow friend. So the words which mean 'enemy/ foe' must be the correct word.
- Sentence C has correctly used the given word. Here, 'friendly is already mentioned. The couple divorced in a pleasant and friendly manner.
Additional Information
- Synonyms of 'Amiable' are: Friendly, Warm, Amicable.
- Antonyms of 'Amiable' are: Unfriendly, Disagreeable.
In the following question, a word has been given. Choose the sentence(s) in which it is used correctly and if all the sentences are correct then choose Option 5.
Adage
(A) Among other things, Ben Franklin is famous for developing an adage to go with each of his philosophical ideals.
(B) Murphy’s Law is a good example of an adage that takes a pessimistic view of life.
(C) The adage of gold led many people to travel to Texas by wagon.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Correct Usage of Word Question 9 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFCorrect answer: Option 4, i.e., Both A and B.
The word ‘adage’ means ‘a saying’ or ‘a maxim’.
Both sentences (a) and (b) use the word ‘adage’ correctly. Both of them can be re-written as-
(a) Among other things, Ben Franklin is famous for developing a saying to go with each of his philosophical ideals.
b) Murphy’s Law is a good example of a maxim that takes a pessimistic view of life.
Given below is a word, followed by three sentences which consist of that word. Identify the sentences(s) which best express(es) the meaning of the word. Choose option 5 ‘None of the above’ if the word is not suitable in any of the sentences.
SQUASH
A. The spectators had to be squashed into the hall for want of space.
B. We are in no position to squash the simmering tensions between the two communities.
C. He squashed his car into the tree.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Correct Usage of Word Question 10 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is Both A and B.
Key Points
The meaning of ‘Squash’ is squeeze or force into a small or restricted space. It is a verb.
- In sentence A, the word has been correctly used. Here the word squashed is aptly used for describing the unavailability of space and it fits the context perfectly.
- In sentence B, squash means ‘to put an end to something that troubles someone’. So it fits the context perfectly where it is used for the simmering tensions between the two communities.
- In sentence C, squash is inappropriately used. It should be replaced with either ‘crash’ or ‘ram’ to make the sentence contextually correct.
Additional Information
Crash or ram- hit or drive a vehicle into something.
Below a word is given followed by three sentences which consist of that word. Identify the sentence/s which best expresses the meaning of the word. Choose option 5 (None of these) if the word is not suitable in any of the sentences.
CALLOUS
A. Most small business employers aren't callous mongrels who sack workers unfairly or at the drop of a hat to gain a sense of power.
B. Treating people like pawns and playthings in your own private emotional board game is cruel and callous.
C. History paintings had to be grand and callous, with subjects drawn from the Bible, classical mythology and history.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Correct Usage of Word Question 11 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is option 3 i.e. Both A and B.
Important PointsCallous means showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others.
Sentence C would make sense if --didactic: intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive-- was used instead of callous.
In the following question, a word has been given. Choose the sentence(s) in which it is used correctly.
Hamper
(A) Although the pain medication has its benefits, it can also hamper the body’s capacity to break down toxins.
(B) Hamper and plain, the woman was known for her delicious cooking but not her looks.
(C) The runner hamper tossed the baton to his teammate who took off toward the finish line.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Correct Usage of Word Question 12 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFCorrect answer: Option 1, i.e., Only A.
The word ‘hamper’ means ‘to obstruct’ or ‘to restrict’.
Only (a) uses the word ‘hamper’ correctly. It can be re-written as follows:
(a) Although the pain medication has its benefits, it can also restrict the body’s capacity to break down toxins.
Both (b) and (c) use the word incorrectly and do not make any sense and are also grammatically incorrect.
Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of that word.
FACTUAL
A. She gave the police a factual account of the events that took place before the robbery.
B. His opinion about the company was based on factual information and wasn't some preconceived notion.
C. The hollow Earth story is based on factual imagination and there is no truth to it.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Correct Usage of Word Question 13 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDF- The word 'FACTUAL' as an adjective means being concerned with what is actually the case.
- In sentence A, the word 'factual' is correctly used as an adjective, as the sentence talks about a woman giving an account of the actual events before a robbery to the police to help in their investigation.
- In sentence B, the word 'factual' is correctly used as an adjective as the sentence talks about an opinion a person has regarding a company which is based on actual facts.
- In sentence C, the word 'factual' is incorrectly used as an adjective as the hollow Earth story is fiction and not based on facts.
Hence, the only possible answer is Option 4.
Given below is a word, followed by three sentences which consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) which best express(es) the meaning of the word. Choose option 5 ‘None of the above’ if the word is not suitable in any of the sentences.
DROWSY
A. Although he's quite old he's still very drowsy.
B. He had regained consciousness but was drowsy and uncomfortable.
C. I'd just woken up and was still drowsy.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Correct Usage of Word Question 14 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is 'Both B and C'.
Key Points
- The meaning of the word 'Drowsy' is 'sleepy and lethargic; half asleep'. It is an adjective.
- In sentence A, the word 'drowsy' is incorrectly used. Here, 'although' is used which means even though or in spite of. Hence, the word 'active' which means 'energetic' should be used.
- Sentence B has correctly used the given word. It is said that the person regained some consciousness but was uncomfortable and half asleep.
- Sentence C has correctly used the given word. As the person had just woken up, he was still half asleep.
Additional Information
- Synonyms of 'Drowsy' are: Sleepy, Dozy.
- Antonyms of 'Drowsy' are: Wakeful, Alert.
Given below is a word, followed by three sentences which consist of that word. Identify the sentences(s) which best express(es) the meaning of the word. Choose option 5 ‘None of the above’ if the word is not suitable in any of the sentences.
CAUTIOUS
A. He was such a reckless and cautious driver that nobody wanted to get in his car.
B. The cautious zebra failed to notice the approaching lion and was mindlessly jumping around in the field.
C. Her cautious attitude irked her mother as she knew that one day it would get her into trouble.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Correct Usage of Word Question 15 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is option 5.
Key Points
- To answer this question, let's first understand the meaning of the word given in the question:
- Cautious: being careful to avoid potential problems or dangers. (सावधान, चौकस)
- Now, let's examine the given sentences:
- Sentence A: He was such a reckless and cautious driver that nobody wanted to get in his car.
- This sentence incorrectly uses the word "cautious" because "reckless" and "cautious" are contradictory terms.
- Sentence B: The cautious zebra failed to notice the approaching lion and was mindlessly jumping around in the field.
- This sentence incorrectly uses the word "cautious" because a cautious zebra would be aware of the approaching lion and avoid danger.
- Sentence C: Her cautious attitude irked her mother as she knew that one day it would get her into trouble.
- This sentence incorrectly uses the word "cautious" because being cautious typically helps avoid trouble, not cause it.
- So, none of the sentences correctly use the word "cautious" to illustrate its proper meaning.
Therefore, the correct answer is "None of the above."