Grammar and Usage: different fromto reg 'The Book Thief'

Liesel noticed that the rhythm of the whispered secrets was different ____ the murmur of the marching boots. Which option correctly fills in the blank?

• different than

• different from

• different to

• different with

Answer explanation

The correct phrase is 'different from' because it is the standard usage in English to indicate a distinction between two things. 'Different than' is often considered informal, while 'different to' and 'different with' are less common in American English.

Rudy declared, 'I ___ understand why grown-ups lose their way in words.' Which contraction is correct when referring to a singular subject?

• doesn't

• don't

• won't

Answer explanation

The correct contraction for a singular subject like 'I' is 'don't', which stands for 'do not'. 'Doesn't' is used with singular third-person subjects, while 'do not' is not a contraction. 'Won't' is unrelated to the context.

After a long day in the hiding place, Max and Liesel ______ completely exhausted by the weight of unspoken stories. Which verb form best completes the sentence?

• don't feel

• isn't feeling

• aren't feel

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'don't feel' because it matches the plural subject 'Max and Liesel'. The other options either use incorrect forms or do not agree with the subject in number.

When Liesel fled the danger, she ran ______ than ever before, her small feet pounding the cobblestones. Which word correctly expresses physical distance?

• further

• farther

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'farther' because it refers to physical distance, which fits the context of Liesel running. 'Further' is often used for metaphorical distance, while 'far' and 'furthest' do not fit grammatically here.

Amid the ruins of burned books, Liesel realized that there were ______ pages left to form a forgotten narrative. Select the proper term when referring to countable items.

• less

• fewer

• minimal

• scarce

Answer explanation

The correct term is 'fewer' because it refers to countable items, such as pages. 'Less' is used for uncountable nouns. In this context, Liesel is counting the remaining pages, making 'fewer' the appropriate choice.

Hans' fingers coaxed the notes from his accordion so ______ that even sorrow seemed to find a moment of reprieve. Which word correctly modifies the verb 'coaxed'?

• good

• well

• best

• finely

Answer explanation

The verb 'coaxed' is modified by adverbs, and 'well' is the correct adverb form. 'Good' is an adjective, while 'finely' and 'best' do not fit the context as effectively as 'well', which indicates skill in coaxing the notes.

Liesel recalled, 'I thought I ______ read every forbidden word before…' Choose the grammatically correct completion.

• had of

• had

• have

• has

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'had' because it indicates a past perfect tense, showing that Liesel thought she had completed the action of reading forbidden words before another past event.

With hearts pounding in unison, Liesel dashed ______ the dim train car, seeking refuge from the storm outside. Fill in the blank to show movement from outside to an interior space.

• in

• into

• onto

• within

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'into' because it indicates movement from outside to an interior space, which fits Liesel's action of dashing into the train car for refuge from the storm.

Even as dark omens loomed overhead, the villagers vowed to move forward ______ of fear. Which word is acceptable in standard English?

• irregardless

• regardless

• unregardless

• notwithstanding

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'regardless', which means without regard or consideration for something. 'Irregardless' and 'unregardless' are nonstandard, while 'notwithstanding' does not fit the sentence structure.

Comparing her shattered reality with the worlds in her stolen books, Liesel sensed that her life was ______ any fairy tale. Pick the grammatically correct phrase to complete the comparison.

• different than

• different from

• different to

• different with

Answer explanation

The correct phrase is 'different from' because it is the standard usage in English for making comparisons. 'Different than' is often considered incorrect, while 'different to' and 'different with' are less common in American English.