Online Writing Support
              OWS HOME               PARTS OF SPEECH               SENTENCE STRUCTURE               PUNCTUATION             USAGE             SELF-TEACHING UNITS             EXERCISES

Idioms - Exercise 2

Directions: In each of the following sentences, a common expression - an idiom - can replace the word or phrase in parentheses. In the blank below each sentence, write the idiom defined by the word or phrase in the parentheses. When you are finished, click the "Check My Work" button at the bottom of the page to check your answers. Choose from the following expressions.

ask out     at least     be hard on     break down     call off

catch on     do a favor     in the meantime     keep in mind

out of one’s mind     over and over     without question


1. If the car (ceases to function,) we will walk to a gas station.



2. We couldn't eat dessert, but (in the minimum) we enjoyed dinner.



3. Bill baked the fish for twenty minutes; (during the same time,) he read a book.



4. I practiced singing this song (repeatedly) to remember the words.



5. His strange ideas made me think he might be (insane).



6. (Unquestionably,) he is the most talented dancer in our class.



7. John (invited) Amber (to go on a date) to see a movie.



8. Amber (treats herself harshly) when she does not do well in school.



9. You must (not forget) that making mistakes is part of learning.



10. If the storm doesn't end, we will have to (cancel) our fishing trip.



             

For further information on these resources, contact
Margaret L. Benner
benner@towson.edu

copyright  ©2011 Towson University, Writing Support Program. All rights reserved.