Mastering ACT English Idioms

The video tutorial explains idioms, highlighting their lack of universal rules and the challenges they pose, especially for non-native speakers. It covers common idiom errors, such as double negatives and incorrect prepositions, and provides examples of idiomatic expressions that are often tested. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of listening skills and familiarity with the language to correctly use idioms.

What makes idioms particularly challenging for non-native English speakers?

• They have many rules to follow.

• They are always easy to understand.

• They are rarely used in everyday conversation.

• There are no specific rules governing them.

What is an essential aspect of idioms that makes them hard to learn?

• They change frequently.

• They require memorization of many rules.

• They are not used in formal English.

• They do not follow a universal rule.

Which of the following is NOT a common pitfall related to double negatives?

• Using 'hardly not'.

• Using 'barely not'.

• Using 'scarcely not'.

• Using 'rarely not'.

Which word is likely to create a double negative issue?

• Often

• Barely

• Always

• Sometimes

What should you check when you encounter a preposition in a sentence?

• If it is always followed by a noun.

• If it is at the beginning of a sentence.

• If it makes logical sense or sounds correct.

• If it is underlined.

How can you verify the correctness of a preposition in a sentence?

• By finding it at the end of a sentence.

• By ensuring it is used frequently.

• By checking its spelling.

• By comparing it to similar known expressions.

What should you do if you're unsure about a preposition in an exam?

• Relate it to similar expressions you know.

• Always replace it with 'of'.

• Change it to an adverb.

• Skip the question.

Which phrase correctly uses the idiomatic expression 'not only... but also'?

• We not only play but also.

• They not only are smart but also kind.

• He not only reads but also.

• She not only sings but also dances.

What is a key strategy to handle idioms on tests?

• Ignoring them completely.

• Learning specific tested expressions.

• Focusing only on rare idioms.

• Guessing their meanings.

Which of the following pairs is correctly matched according to idiomatic usage?

• Neither... and

• Between... or

• Both... or

• Either... or