Collective Nouns Worksheet

Collective Nouns Worksheet

Complete the following sentences using appropriate collective nouns.

1. A ……………………………………. of locusts attacked a ………………………………….. of cattle.

2. A ……………………………………….. of birds is always a beautiful sight.

3. They welcomed the chief guest with a …………………………………. of flowers.

4. As we drove down the country side, we saw a ……………………………………………. of sheep grazing in the fields.

5. The …………………………………..of thieves has been arrested by the police.

6. There we saw a man carrying a ……………………………………….. of clothes on his head.

7. A …………………………………………. of musicians was hired to perform at the party.

8. My friend has a fine …………………………………….. of old stamps.

Answers

1. A swarm of locusts attacked a herd of cattle.

2. A flight of birds is always a beautiful sight.

3. They welcomed the chief guest with a bouquet of flowers.

4. As we drove down the country side, we saw a flock of sheep grazing in the fields.

5. The gang of thieves has been arrested by the police.

6. There we saw a man carrying a bundle of clothes on his head.

7. A band of musicians was hired to perform at the party.

8. My friend has a fine collection of old stamps.

Idioms with their meanings

Some Useful Idioms with their meanings.

Caught between two stools
When someone finds it difficult to choose between two alternatives. 

Costs an arm and a leg
This idiom is used when something is very expensive.

Cry over spilt milk
When you complain about a loss from the past. 

Curiosity killed the cat
Being Inquisitive can lead you into an unpleasant situation. 

Cut corners
When something is done badly to save money. 

Cut the mustard
To succeed; to come up to expectations; adequate enough to compete or participate 

Devil's Advocate
To present a counter argument. A person who expresses a contentious opinion in order to provoke debate or test the strength of the opposing arguments.

Don't give up the day job
You are not very good at something. You could definitely not do it professionally. 

Don't put all your eggs in one basket
Do not put all your resources in one possibility. 

Every cloud has a silver lining
Be optimistic, even difficult times will lead to better days. 

Idioms with their meanings

Some Useful Idioms with their meanings.

A hot potato
Speak of an issue which many people are talking about and which is usually disputed. 

A penny for your thoughts
A way of asking what someone is thinking Actions speak louder than words
People's intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say. 

Add insult to injury
To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an unfavorable situation. 

An arm and a leg
Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money. 

At the drop of a hat
Meaning: without any hesitation; instantly. 

Back to the drawing board
When an attempt fails and it's time to start all over. 

Ball is in your court
It is up to you to make the next decision or step. 

Barking up the wrong tree
Looking in the wrong place. Accusing the wrong person Be glad to see the back of Be happy when a person leaves. 

Beat around the bush
Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue. 

Best of both worlds
Meaning: All the advantages. Best thing since sliced bread
A good invention or innovation. A good idea or plan. 

Bite off more than you can chew
To take on a task that is way to big. 

Blessing in disguise
Something good that isn't recognized at first. 

Burn the midnight oil
To work late into the night, alluding to the time before electric lighting. 

Can't judge a book by its cover
Cannot judge something primarily on appearance.

VERB Test Multiple Choice Questions

VERB Test Multiple Choice Questions

Test your Verb knowledge.

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Preposition Worksheet

Preposition Worksheet

Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions.

1. The turban and the beard easily distinguish a Sikh ——————— others.

a) to
b) from
c) with
d) in

2. The laboratory should be furnished ———————- all necessary equipment.

a) in
b) of
c) with
d) out

3. She is keen ———————- building a career in music.

a) on
b) in
c) at
d) from

4. She is a disgrace ——————- her family.

a) to
b) for
c) at

d) on

5. He was the first to alight ——————- the train.

a) on
b) from
c) in
d) with

6. He is busy ——————– his studies.

a) in
b) with
c) of
d) off

7. He is addicted ——————– drugs.

a) to
b) in
c) on
d) for

8. The hotel is adjacent ——————- the railway station.

a) to
b) at
c) in
d) for

9. During his speech, he alluded ——————– a story in the Vedas.

a) to
b) at
c) in
d) with

10. You must apologize ——————— him.

a) with
b) to
c) for

d) with

11. The inspector commented favorably ——————– our work.

a) on
b) in
c) with
d) for

12. I congratulated him —————— his success.

a) in
b) on
c) for
d) with

Answers

1. b) from
2. c) with
3. a) on
4. a) to
5. b) from
6. b) with
7. a) to
8. a) to
9. a) to
10. b) to
11. a) on
12. b) on

Phrases Avoid giving Information

    Avoid giving Information

No comment.

This Phrase is often used by politicians and celebrities when they are asked difficult or embarrassing questions by journalists.

I'm not at liberty to say.

I'm sorry, that's confidential.

We use these phrases to say there is a rule that prevents you giving information.

Wait and see.

This Phrase is refusing to tell somebody something about the near future. We often use it when we are preparing a surprise for somebody.

(Sorry) That's personal.

This Phrase is telling the other person that you consider the information to be private. You are also criticising the other person for asking.

I'd rather not talk about it.

This Phrase is a more polite way to say that the information is private and you don't want to talk about it.

Mind your own business.

Never you mind.

These Phrases are not very polite and are criticising the other person for asking for private information.

I'll tell you when you're older.

Parents often say phrase to their children to avoid answering difficult or embarrassing questions. Usually they have no intention of ever answering the question.

Phrases for Asking people to Wait

Asking people to Wait

Hang on a moment / a mo./Hold on

Give us a second.

Half a moment / a mo.

These Phrases are quite informal but polite in tone. You are busy and expect to be able to help them

quite soon.

I'll be right with you.

This Phrase is especially useful in customer service situations where you want to ask a customer to wait for a few minutes.

Sorry, I'm a bit tied up right now.

This Phrase is really saying how busy you are but at the same time you are asking people to wait. It is quite polite.

Wait and see.

This Phrase is refusing to tell somebody something about the near future. We often use it when we are preparing a surprise for somebody.

You'll just have to be patient.

Give me a chance.

These Phrases are less polite and are suggesting that you think the other person is being too impatient.

Don't be so impatient.

This Phrase is more impolite and you are actually directly criticising the other person for being impatient.

We wish to apologise for the delay to...

This Phrase is a formal announcement that you might hear on a train or plane in the UK. It is followed by a noun phrase.