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English Language — Homonyms and Confusable Words — Questions with Answers
Open after you finish the quiz — all 12 questions,
with answers and explanations.
Q1.
The new government policy is expected to ______ the lives of millions of citizens positively.
affect
effect
effecting
affected
Show answer
Answer: A. affect
The rule being tested is the distinction between 'affect' (verb, meaning to influence) and 'effect' (noun, meaning a result, or verb, meaning to bring about). In this sentence, a verb is required to show influence.
Q2.
The school ______ addressed the students on the importance of moral ______.
principle, principal
principal, principal
principal, principles
principles, principal
Show answer
Answer: C. principal, principles
The rule being tested is the distinction between 'principal' (the head of a school or main) and 'principle' (a fundamental truth or belief). 'Principal' is a noun referring to the head of the school, and 'principles' is the plural noun for moral beliefs.
Q3.
The car remained ______ at the signal, while the shop sold various kinds of ______.
stationery, stationary
stationary, stationery
stationary, stationary
stationery, stationery
Show answer
Answer: B. stationary, stationery
The rule being tested is the distinction between 'stationary' (an adjective meaning not moving) and 'stationery' (a noun referring to writing materials like paper and envelopes). The first blank requires an adjective, and the second requires a noun.
Q4.
Her beautiful scarf ______ her outfit perfectly, earning her many ______.
complimented, complements
complements, compliments
complements, complement
compliment, complements
Show answer
Answer: B. complements, compliments
The rule being tested is the distinction between 'complement' (to complete or enhance something) and 'compliment' (an expression of praise). The scarf 'complements' the outfit, and she received many 'compliments'.
Q5.
The city ______ decided to ______ the citizens on the new traffic rules.
counsel, council
council, counsel
council, council
counsel, counsel
Show answer
Answer: B. council, counsel
The rule being tested is the distinction between 'council' (a group of people chosen to advise or make rules) and 'counsel' (to give advice, or advice itself). The first blank requires the noun 'council', and the second requires the verb 'counsel'.
Q6.
The detective tried to ______ information about the ______ activities from the suspect.
illicit, elicit
elicit, illicit
elicit, elicit
illicit, illicit
Show answer
Answer: B. elicit, illicit
The rule being tested is the distinction between 'elicit' (a verb meaning to draw out a response or information) and 'illicit' (an adjective meaning forbidden by law, illegal). The first blank requires the verb 'elicit', and the second requires the adjective 'illicit'.
Q7.
He walked ______ down the road to get a ______ understanding of the situation.
farther, further
further, farther
farther, farther
further, further
Show answer
Answer: A. farther, further
The rule being tested is the distinction between 'farther' (used for physical distance) and 'further' (used for additional, to a greater extent, or metaphorical distance). 'Farther' refers to walking distance, and 'further' refers to a deeper understanding.
Q8.
The author made an ______ to Greek mythology, creating an ______ of grandeur in the narrative.
illusion, allusion
allusion, illusion
allusion, allusion
illusion, illusion
Show answer
Answer: B. allusion, illusion
The rule being tested is the distinction between 'allusion' (an indirect reference) and 'illusion' (a deceptive appearance or belief). The author made an 'allusion' (reference) and created an 'illusion' (deceptive appearance).
Q9.
The company maintained ______ departments, and the manager was known for his ______ handling of sensitive matters.
discreet, discrete
discrete, discreet
discrete, discrete
discreet, discreet
Show answer
Answer: B. discrete, discreet
The rule being tested is the distinction between 'discrete' (separate and distinct) and 'discreet' (careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions to avoid causing offense or revealing private information). The departments are 'discrete' (separate), and the manager's handling is 'discreet' (careful).
Q10.
The ______ inventor came up with an ______ device, but his ______ assistant often asked naive questions.
ingenious, ingenuous
ingenious, ingenious
ingenuous, ingenuous
ingenuous, ingenious
Show answer
Answer: A. ingenious, ingenuous
The rule being tested is the distinction between 'ingenious' (clever, inventive) and 'ingenuous' (innocent, naive, unsuspecting). The inventor is 'ingenious', and his assistant is 'ingenuous'.
Q11.
The doctor will ______ medication for your ailment, but the new law will ______ the use of certain chemicals.
proscribe, prescribe
prescribe, proscribe
prescribe, prescribe
proscribe, proscribe
Show answer
Answer: B. prescribe, proscribe
The rule being tested is the distinction between 'prescribe' (to recommend or authorize the use of, especially medicine) and 'proscribe' (to forbid or prohibit). The doctor 'prescribes' medication, and the law 'proscribes' chemicals.
Q12.
The criminal was ______ for his heinous crimes, while the painting was ______ on the wall.
hung, hanged
hanged, hung
hanged, hanged
hung, hung
Show answer
Answer: B. hanged, hung
The rule being tested is the distinction in the past tense of 'hang'. 'Hanged' is used specifically when referring to execution by suspension. 'Hung' is used for all other meanings of suspending an object. The criminal was 'hanged', and the painting was 'hung'.
